The United Nations on Thursday expressed “deep concern and regret” at a statement by the UNITA rebel movement on 4 September alleging that the World Food Programme (WFP) was shipping food and fuel to government forces.
“The United Nations system is committed to providing lie-sustaining humanitarian assistance to all in need, often under dangerous security conditions,” said a spokesman for UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan.
The spokesman recalled that this year, seven aid workers had lost their lives in Angola while assisting vulnerable populations. “The UN system has taken, and will continue to take, every possible measure to prevent any loss or diversion of aid,” he said.
He said Annan urged all parties to the conflict to ensure full access and security to allow humanitarian organisations to provide assistance, where needed, throughout the country.
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