UNITA said on Friday that it must be allowed to have talks with the United Nations before agreeing to a ceasefire called for by the Angolan president. Speaking from Luanda, UNITA member Jaka Jamba 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. – Irin
Friday March 1, 2002