UNITA wants sanctions eased

Certain conditions would have to be met before the rebel group UNITA agrees to a ceasefire called for by the Angolan president, a spokesman told IRIN on Friday. Speaking from Luanda, UNITA member Jaka Jamba told IRIN that UNITA representatives abroad must first be allowed to have talks with the United Nations. Jamba also called for the easing of UN imposed sanctions on UNITA. Following the killing of UNITA leader Jonas Savimbi in a battle with government forces on 22 February, there has been pressure on both sides to end the 27-year-old civil war that has ruined the country. In a visit to Lisbon last month, en route to Washington, Angolan President Jose Eduardo dos Santos called for the cessation of hostilities. In Washington he did, however, rule out a unilateral ceasefire. UNITA, still smarting from the death of their leader, said in response there would be "no military victory" for the government. Referring to speculation that the government may be under pressure from generals of the Angolan army (FAA) to continue the campaign to wipe-out UNITA, Jamba demanded that Dos Santos "diminish the pressure on (newly appointed leader) Antonio Dembo and the permanent committee". Dembo was the deputy leader of UNITA. As to hopes for peace, Jamba said Dos Santos was giving mixed signals. Jamba said: "Just after the death of Dr Savimbi there were some statements... communiqués from the government (regarding a cessation of hostilities). In Lisbon, Dos Santos (talked about)... creating an environment that could permit the national reconciliation. But in an interview with the Voice of America (radio station), he categorically denied there's a possibility of a ceasefire." AFP reported that Foreign Minister Joao Bernardo de Miranda said Dos Santos had ordered his army to contact UNITA and work towards a new ceasefire. He told state-controlled media that such contacts with members of UNITA should be made "on the battlefield." The contacts should be aimed at creating a "climate that should lead us to a cessation of hostilities," he said.