Angola: Revalidation of Tripartite Agreements Recommended

Angola Press Agency (Luanda) - 24 August 2008

Participants to the tripartite meeting amongst the governments of Angola and of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as well as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), held last August 21-22 in Cabinda city, far northern Angolan province, Sunday recommended the revalidation of agreements with amendments, due to the current situation.

During the meeting, the participants analysed the situation of Angolan refugees in the neighbouring DRC and concluded that there is a need to repatriate Angolan refugees exiled in that country, giving priority to those of the northern Cabinda province and the disadvantaged, before the tripartite sensitisation campaigns.

The holding of the next tripartite meeting is scheduled for the second fortnight of next October, in the lower Congo region, during a date still to be established.

The closing session was presided over by the Angolan deputy minister of Assistance and Social Welfare (MINARS), Maria da Luz Magalhes. According to her, the signing of the memorandum of understanding has created a favourable environment for the voluntary return of Angolans to the country.

On his turn, the head of the DRC delegation, Rigobert Moupondo Mafundi thanked and congratulated for the patience and availability showed by the Angolans.

The UNHCR representative, Salif Kagni recognised that during the meeting there was a common, cohesive and open will to achieve satisfactory results.