European aid for peace process

The European Commission (EC) is to provide Angola with US $117 million to support the country's peace process following the signing in April of a ceasefire between the government and UNITA rebels.

The money is to fund a wide range of actions including emergency relief, food aid and food security, support for displaced people and returnees, and de-mining operations, an EC statement said on Wednesday.

Commenting on the action plan, Poul Nielson, the Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, underlined the European Union's long-standing commitment to the victims of "this often neglected crisis".

He continued: "At last, peace is being given a chance. The Commission fully supports the peace process and is offering substantial and practical assistance to tackle the continuing suffering and help in the huge task of reconstruction."

Now that the fighting has ended, enormous needs have been identified among the displaced populations in previously inaccessible areas. Significant humanitarian support will be required for the foreseeable future together with rehabilitation and longer term development assistance, to assist the most vulnerable sections of the population and consolidate the peace process.

In Angola, the Commission is working closely with UN agencies, the authorities and other donors, the statement said. The US $117 million is made up of money that can be mobilised immediately and in the next few months.

The Commission is also working on a medium term strategy where extra money totalling US $137 million has been earmarked to support the link between relief, rehabilitation and development in the areas of food security, health, education and good governance.