United Nations Daily Highlights, 98-10-15

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From: The United Nations Home Page at <http://www.un.org> - email: unnews@un.org

DAILY HIGHLIGHTS

Thursday, 15 October, 1998

Latest Developments

HEADLINES

• Security Council demands that UNITA comply with its obligations under peace agreements in Angola.
• Secretary-General says high-level panel on African development should work on problem of trade barriers.
• Director of United Nations food agency says men and women must have equal access to productive resources.
• United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization lauds Pope John Paul II for his efforts against hunger.

In resolution 1202 (1998) unanimously adopted on Thursday, the Security Council reiterated that the primary cause of the crisis in Angola and of the current impasse in the peace process was the failure of the UNITA leadership to comply with its obligations.

The Security Council demanded, in particular, that UNITA complete demilitarization of its forces and cooperate fully in the immediate and unconditional extension of State administration throughout the national territory of Angola. It also demanded that UNITA withdraw immediately from territories which it had occupied through military action.

Stressing that there could be no military solution to the conflict in Angola, the Council called on the Government and in particular UNITA to seek a political settlement.

The Council decided to extend the mandate of the United Nations Observers Mission in Angola (MONUA) until 3 December 1998 and requested the Secretary- General to continue to adjust the deployment of MONUA, in accordance with security conditions and its ability to implement its mandate in support of the peace process.

The Security Council emphasized that the extension of the mandate of MONUA provided the Special Representative of the Secretary-General with an additional opportunity to revive the stalled peace process. It strongly urged UNITA to take advantage of this period to transform itself into a genuine political party and to secure a legitimate and constructive role in the Angolan political process.

The Security Council reiterated its concern over the safety and security of MONUA personnel and demanded that the Angolan Government and UNITA unconditionally guarantee the safety and freedom of movement of the Secretary-General's Special Representative and all United Nations and international humanitarian personnel.

The Council expressed its deep concern at the continued deterioration of the humanitarian situation, especially the significant increase in the number of internally displaced persons. The Security Council also stressed the importance of strengthening the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the full protection of all Angolan citizens throughout the country.

The Council called on Member States to fully implement the measures it had imposed on UNITA and requested the Committee monitoring the implementation of those measures to investigate reports of violations.

Expressing its deep concern at the crash of the Russian civilian aircraft in the Malange region of Angola, which resulted in the loss of human lives, the Council called on the Angolan Government to thoroughly investigate the causes of the crash and insisted that UNITA cooperate fully in these efforts.

"African countries' products must gain greater access to developed-country markets," said Mr. Annan. He called for the major industrialized countries to consider eliminating trade barriers to African goods. "I hope you will explore the best avenues to achieve this," he told the Panel, which serves as a "think tank" on critical issues of African development.

The Secretary-General said that African countries were bearing the burden of the negative consequences of the Asian financial crisis. "We do not yet know for sure how this will translate into the real economy," he said. "We do know that prospects for commodity-dependent economies have deteriorated significantly, placing in jeopardy fragile recoveries."

The Secretary-General expressed hope that the Panel would pay particular attention to recommendations he had made with respect to external debt. "Africa's external debt, estimated at $323.5 billion in 1996, is clearly unsustainable," he said, noting that it represented over 200 per cent of exports, and its servicing absorbed more than 16 per cent of export earnings.

In addition to official development assistance (ODA) and external debt relief, new and innovative mechanisms must also be explored to facilitate the access of African countries to adequate financial resources for development, the Secretary-General observed. "This is particularly urgent at a time when world attention is mainly focused on the financial needs of emerging-market countries," he said.

The Panel, first established in December 1992, advises the Secretary- General on actions to be taken for the creation of an environment conducive to sustainable development. The group consists of 16 members from developed and African countries, as well as from African regional organizations.

At a press conference held on the eve of World Food Day (16 October), Mr. Diouf said the theme "women feed the world" had been selected to "pay tribute to the significant role of women in agriculture, fisheries and forestry and their enormous contribution to household and national food security."

In many countries, noted Mr. Diouf, the production of staple food, cash crops and livestock relied heavily on women's labor. "Most of their back- breaking work is unpaid, or grossly underpaid," he said.

According to FAO, women have limited rights -- and in some cases no rights - - to own the land they farm. Their social privileges can be restricted and they often have little or no access to credit, training and the technology needed to improve agricultural productivity. Most of the women among the ranks of the world's food producers have no voice in matters that concern their household's livelihood. Making their cases heard is not merely a matter of justice, said Dr. Diouf. "If food security for all is to become reality, decisions that affect future generations must be based on the perceived needs and priorities of these women today."

Dr. Diouf said that during this year's "Telefood" initiative, from 16 to 18 October, "TV programs and broadcasts of related events will span the globe with images and information highlighting women's contributions to the fight against poverty and hunger and urging solidarity with efforts to achieve food security for all."

FAO Director-General Jacques Diouf presented the medal to the Pontiff during an audience at the Vatican.

The Agricola medal features a portrait of the Pope on one side while the other bears the words "Daily Bread - Condition of World Peace" together with symbols depicting fish and grain. It was designed by Italian artist Orietta Rossi.

From the United Nations home page at <http://www.un.org> - email: unnews@un.org

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