Africa News Summary : News Headlines : Discussion Forums

Wednesday, March 27, 2002 - Web posted at 10:17:36 am GMT

LONDON, March 26 (AFP) - Britain's Foreign Secretary Jack Straw on Tuesday called upon the Angolan army to engage in a "transparent" peace process with rebel forces during a meeting here with his Angolan counterpart Joao Miranda.

"I congratulated the government of Angola on taking the lead with a positive initial statement (in favour of a peace process)," said Straw in a press release issued following the meeting.

"This now needs to be followed up with firm commitments and a transparent and inclusive process," he added.

There had been concerns that people representing the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) might have been held prisoner by the army during ongoing peace talks in the eastern town of Luena.

However on Tuesday, members of the UNITA rebel movement in Luanda and in Europe agreed to the talks, bolstering hopes for a ceasefire in Africa's longest-running war.

Moves towards peace in Angola's 27-year civil war have come after the February 22 death of UNITA leader and founder Jonas Savimbi, who was killed in battle. - Nampa-AFP