SECRETARY-GENERAL EXPRESSES CONCERN, REGRET OVER ALLEGATIONS IN ANGOLA AGAINST WORLD FOOD PROGRAMME

Press Release
SG/SM/7173
AFR/181

SECRETARY-GENERAL EXPRESSES CONCERN, REGRET OVER ALLEGATIONS IN ANGOLA AGAINST WORLD FOOD PROGRAMME

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General wishes to express deep concern and regret over allegations made by the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) against the World Food Programme about the diversion of food and fuel from targeted beneficiaries in Angola to government forces.

The United Nations system is committed to providing life- sustaining humanitarian assistance to all in need, often under dangerous security conditions. This year, seven aid workers have paid with their lives in Angola while assisting vulnerable populations. The United Nations system has taken and will continue to take every possible measure to prevent any loss or diversion of aid.

The Secretary-General urges all parties to the tragic conflict in Angola to ensure full access and security to allow humanitarian organizations to provide assistance, where needed, throughout the country.

* *** *