• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

---

Annan appoints experts to investigate Angola sanctions' violations
13 July -- Secretary-General Kofi Annan today announced the appointment of five experts to investigate violations of the sanctions imposed by the Security Council against the Angolan rebel National Movement for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA).

 In its resolution 1295 of 18 April, the Council had asked the Secretary-General to appoint five experts to monitor its directives against trade with UNITA in arms, petroleum and diamonds, as well as the UNITA members' financial assets, travel and representation.

 Through a letter to the Council released today at UN Headquarters in New York, Mr. Annan said that the new monitoring body will be chaired by Juan Larrain of Chile, and also comprise Christine Gordon of the United Kingdom, James Manzou of Zimbabwe, Ismail Sekh of Senegal and Lena Sundh of Sweden.

Over the next six months, they will investigate reports of violations of the sanctions set out in Council resolutions 864 (1993), 1127 (1997) and 1173 (1998).

 In his latest report on Angola, released today, the Secretary-General highlights the "devastating effects" that the continued fighting is having on the population. He also notes allegations of human rights violations by both the Government and UNITA, but welcomes the Government's indications of willingness to develop "regular procedures" to address these.

The Secretary-General also expresses concern about the "absence of any meaningful attempt to reach a political settlement of the conflict." But with the Government continuing to recover vast areas of national territory through its successful military campaign, Mr. Annan also focuses on the urgent need to start rebuilding Angola's destroyed physical and social infrastructures, and providing Angolans with the chance for sustainable development.

Pledging that UN system bodies will continue to support the Government's efforts to provide basic services to Angola's war-fatigued population, the Secretary-General urges international donors to respond to the Organization's consolidated appeal to meet the still "very serious" humanitarian situation in the country.