UNAVEM II mandate extended; UNITA condemned for endangering peace process.

• Position: UN Angola Verification Mission; National Union for the Total Independence of Angola - United Nations developments

UNITA condemned for endangering peace process

The Security Council on 1 June extended until 15 July 1993 the mandate of the UN Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM II) on a reduced basis and in a manner which would respond to the evolution of the military and political situation.

It condemned the National Union for the Total independence of Angola (UNITA) for increasing hostilities and endangering the peace process in the country. In resolution 823 (1993), the Council on 30 April had extended the Mission's existing mandate until 31 May

In unanimously adopting resolution 834 (1993), the Council reiterated its readiness to act promptly, at any time within the 45-day mandate extension authorized on 1 June, to expand substantially the UN presence in Angola in the event of significant progress in the peace process. Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghaii was asked submit before 15 July his recommendation on a further UN role in the Angolan peace process.

The Council strongly appealed to the Angolan Government and in particular to UNITA to re-initiate as soon as possible the interrupted peace talks under UN auspices, with a view to the earliest possible establishment of a cease-fire throughout the country and the full implementation of the 31 May 1991 Peace Accords, signed in Bicesse, Portugal, near Lisbon. The Government's disposition to reach a peaceful settlement in conformity with the Accords and pertinent Council resolutions was welcomed.

The most recent round of direct peace talks between the two parties began on 12 April and ended on 21 May in Abidian, Cote d'Ivoire. On 25 May, the Secretary-General had reported (S/25840) that the breakdown of the talks "marked a major and tragic setback to the peace process" in Angola.

Accept the results

The Council, in resolution 834, reiterated its demand that UNITA accept unreservedly the results of the 1992 democratic elections and abide fully by the Accords. it deeply regretted UNITA's refusal at the Abidian talks to agree to its troop withdrawal from occupied locations and demanded that it do so.

Holding UNITA responsible for the breakdown of the talks thus jeopardizing the peace process, the Council reaffirmed that it would consider all appropriate measures under the UN Charter to advance the Accords' implementation. States were urged to refrain from providing any form of military assistance or other support to UNITA.

Welcoming steps taken by the Secretary-General to strengthen UN humanitarian...