In progress at UNHQ

SG/SM/6654

SECRETARY-GENERAL SENDS LAKHDAR BRAHIMI AS SPECIAL ENVOY TO ASSESS SITUATION IN ANGOLA

27 July 1998


Press Release
SG/SM/6654
AFR/84


SECRETARY-GENERAL SENDS LAKHDAR BRAHIMI AS SPECIAL ENVOY TO ASSESS SITUATION IN ANGOLA

19980727 ADVANCE RELEASE The following statement was issued this evening by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

In view of the present impasse of the peace process in Angola, the Secretary-General has decided to send Lakhdar Brahimi (Algeria) to Angola as his Special Envoy.

Mr. Brahimi will assess the various aspects of the situation in Angola and advise him on the possible course of action. In this context, Mr. Brahimi will, on the Secretary-General's behalf, urge the Government and, in particular, the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), to desist from any action which would undermine the peace process and to resume negotiations without delay in order to fully and expeditiously implement the remaining provisions of the Lusaka Protocol. He will also make recommendations about the future presence of the United Nations in Angola. After his initial round of consultations, Mr. Brahimi is expected to visit some States of the region.

Mr. Brahimi intends to arrive in Angola over the coming weekend.

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For information media. Not an official record.