RESOLUTION B3-0548, 0578 and 0615/93

The European Parliament,

A.having regard to the most recent resolutions by the European Parliament and the ACP-EEC Joint Assembly meeting in Gaborone on the process of peace and democratization in Angola and on the humanitarian situation there,

B.whereas the Community and its Member States and various other countries and international organizations have assisted and encouraged the Angolan political leaders to initiate and execute a peace process and democratization at national level,

C.whereas the policy of the Community and its Member States has taken the form of a solemn commitment to grant aid to Angola for the transition period of democratization and for national economic and social reconstruction,

D.whereas the elections of 29 and 30 September 1992 were considered by the international observers to have been free and fair, and were endorsed as such by the UN; whereas all elements of Angolan society - including UNITA -declared their acceptance of the results,

E.whereas the voting unequivocally produced a parliament made up of representatives of all regions of the country and several political parties,

F.having regard therefore to the indisputable legitimacy of the National Assembly, and the legislative work and vital discussions and progress in democratic coexistence it has already achieved, but also the organizational difficulties experienced by the President and members,

G.whereas 11 UNITA members have taken up their seats in the Assembly and are taking part in parliamentary work, expressing disapproval of the war initiated by the UNITA military leadership and its reluctance to open negotiations, and expressing the wish that it should participate in the democratic process,

H.whereas, in accordance with the constitutional platform previously established by all the parties participating in the elections, the President-in-Office appointed a new Government, with Marcelino Moco as Prime Minister, which reflects the election results and in which the National Assembly has declared its confidence,

I.whereas the present phase of hostilities in Angola commenced on 15 January 1993 following a decision by the President of UNITA, Mr Savimbi, and has resulted in disturbing levels of suffering and disillusionment for Angolans in general, including those who had supported and voted for UNITA,

J.whereas UNITA's leaders have responded evasively to the various initiatives of the international community, especially the UN, aimed at holding talks for a ceasefire, constantly using stalling tactics - as recently in Abidjan - to block all peace efforts and a resumption of the democratic process,

K.whereas UNITA's leaders have put themselves beyond the pale of elementary democratic legitimacy and the basic principles of international relations and humanitarian behaviour,

L.whereas, were the EC and the ACP countries to abandon the legitimate Government of Angola, this would not only be inconsistent but would also have severe consequences for their international credibility, undermining the endeavours being made to ensure that the Lomé Convention links national development efforts to democracy, peace and human rights,

1.Calls on UNITA's leaders, the other Angolan political leaders, and on Angolan civil society, to make every effort to restore peace, democracy, social cooperation and constructive economic and social activity in Angola;

2.Calls on the National Assembly of Angola to continue its work of demonstrating to the Angolan people the potential for joint action and dialogue between representatives of different regions and political parties;

3.Calls on the EC, on the basis of a joint action by the European Parliament, the ACP-EEC Joint Assembly and the Commission, to cooperate in the measures required to enable the National Assembly of Angola and its parliamentary committees to function as effectively as possible, and expresses its intention to invite Angolan Members of Parliament and to promote all possible exchanges between European and Angolan Members of Parliament and between members of the political secretariats;

4.Calls on the ACP countries and the EC Member States to continue and intensify all the efforts and support required to help the Angolan Government restore peace;

5.Expresses its profound appreciation of the rigorous, unbiased and conscientious work being undertaken by Mrs Margaret Anstee, but calls on the UN to agree to send a sufficient number of UN troops to establish the security necessary to allow the new peace efforts to succeed;

6.Expresses its appreciation for the countries which have participated as observers in the peace process, especially the CCPM (the Joint Political-Military Committee);

7.Calls on the UN and the countries which contributed to the Bicesse agreements to make every effort to secure an immediate end to hostilities and the resumption of the peace process;

8.Calls on the international community to cease all military support to Mr Savimbi, since this is an essential condition for peace, dialogue and implementation of the Bicesse agreements;

9.Expresses its recognition of the courageous work being undertaken by national and foreign civilians, including journalists, humanitarian aid organizers, especially doctors working for international associations, and those working with refugees and providing emergency aid;

10.Recommends that the European Community and its Member States redouble their efforts to provide humanitarian aid for Angola, notably by increasing food aid in 1993, providing more non-food aid (tents, blankets and drugs, etc.) by assistance to enable the country to pay for shipments in convertible currencies and by increasing the funds of NGOs;

11.Calls on the Commission immediately to launch the second phase of the EC support platform for Angola;

12.Calls on the EC and the Government of Angola to determine, as a matter of urgency, the utilization of the funds available under the Indicative National Programme of the Seventh EDF for urgent actions to assist the Angolan population, thus reinforcing the other resources made available by the EC;

13.Calls on the US Congress to remind the present Administration of the US commitment to the peace process and democratization in Angola and of the expectations and undertakings relating to the US observers vis-à-vis the Angolan people, entailing the need for immediate recognition of the institutions emanating from the elections, in accordance with the principles of normal international coexistence;

14.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the UN Secretary-General, the US Congress, the President of Russia and the National Assembly of Angola.