SECURITY COUNCIL EXPRESSES GRAVE CONCERN AT SITUATION OF UNITED NATIONS PERSONNEL AT TWO POSTS IN ANGOLA
Press Release
SC/6607
SECURITY COUNCIL EXPRESSES GRAVE CONCERN AT SITUATION OF UNITED NATIONS PERSONNEL AT TWO POSTS IN ANGOLA
19981204 Press Statement by President Cites Plight of Observers In Andulo and Bailundo; Holds UNITA Leader Responsible for Their SafetyThis is the text of a statement to the press this evening by the President of the Security Council, Jassin Mohammad Buallay (Bahrain), following consultations among Council members:
The Security Council expresses its grave concern for the safety and security of the personnel of the United Nations Observer Mission in Angola (MONUA) in Andulo and Bailundo. It takes note of the statement of the Secretary-General of 4 December 1998 in which he states that the leadership of the Uniao Nacional Para a Independência Total de Angola (UNITA) in Bailundo has refused to provide the necessary clearance for United Nations aircraft to land in Andulo and Bailundo to evacuate these personnel. The Council is deeply concerned by the letter of 3 December 1998 from the President of UNITA in this regard.
The Security Council demands that UNITA permit the immediate and unconditional departure of MONUA personnel from Andulo and Bailundo. It reaffirms its resolution 1213 (1998) of 3 December 1998 and holds the President of UNITA, Jonas Savimbi, personally responsible for their safety, security and freedom of movement.
The Security Council deplores the deterioration of the situation in Angola and urges that there be no further escalation of hostilities. It reiterates that the primary responsibility for the deterioration in the peace process lies with the leadership of UNITA in Bailundo. It calls on UNITA, as well as the Government of Angola, to exercise the utmost restraint so as not to endanger the lives of MONUA personnel as well as civilians.
The Security Council remains actively seized of the matter.
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