UN envoy in Angola call for 'spirit of new partnerships'

With demobilization programmes under way and elections imminent in Angola, the United Nations top envoy has called for a "spirit of new partnership" to help the war-torn country overcome any new challenges that lie ahead.

That call came following a meeting Thursday between Ibrahim Gambari, the Special Representative of Secretary-General Kofi Annan to Angola, and Angolan President José Eduardo dos Santos.

Among the challenges Mr. Gambari pointed out were the reintegration of war demobilized into the society, demining, technical assistance for preparation of the next elections, as well as efforts to convene an international donors conference.

Mr. Gambari's proposals on how best the United Nations could continue to assist the Government and the people of Angola after February 2003 will be included in the Secretary-General's upcoming report to the Security Council.

Also in Angola, the Executive Director of the UN World Food Programme (WFP), James T. Morris, echoed the call for enhancing partnerships, stressing the country needs immediate and strong participation from many players to respond to mounting humanitarian needs as it emerges from years of devastation caused by war.

Mr. Morris' trip comes at a time when humanitarian agencies face significant challenges in Angola, such as the ongoing effort to ensure that food aid is delivered to a growing number of fragile communities.

"WFP can do a tremendous amount to help the Angolan population get back on their feet after decades of despair, and we must seize this opportunity," said Mr. Morris. "What's needed is a constellation of committed partners, including our traditional donors, working together to tackle the immense tasks which lie ahead to assist millions of vulnerable people."