UN Panel Investigating Sanction-Breaking by UNITA

Meeting report

FOREIGN AFFAIRS PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE
22 October 1999
BRIEFING BY UNITED NATIONS PANEL INVESTIGATING SANCTIONS-BUSTING BY UNITA

Documents distributed:
None

MINUTES
An expert panel established by the United Nations in accordance with a Security Council resolution, briefed the Committee on the issues regarding sanctions-busting by Unita in Angola. The expert panel is made up of representatives of different countries, equipped with various specialised skills and knowledge. The panel comprised of Ambassador A Mollander (Chairperson, Sweden), Mr S Samkange (Rappoteur, Zimbabwe), Mr H McKay (Diamonds expert, Namibia), Mr O Vallee (Finance Expert, France), Mr O Ivanov (Travel, Russia), Mr Melvin E Holt (Customs expert, USA), Col O Tiroyamodimo (Military Support expert, Botswana) and Mr G Barthe (Customs expert, Switzerland).

Mr A Mollander (Chairperson of the panel) informed the committee that Unita attacks have escalated following Unita's rejection of the 1992 election results. Initially, sanctions were instituted against Unita to prevent it purchasing arms. Thereafter sanctions with regard to travelling abroad (visas were denied to Unita members and their immediate family) were instituted. A decision had also been taken to prohibit the purchase of diamonds from Unita areas. However it appears that Unita has not been affected by these sanctions, and this reflects badly on Angola and the United Nations.

It was recommended that the Security Council constitute a panel of experts for a period of six months to investigate and formulate methods of diminishing Unita's strength. The panel's mandate is to collect relevant information and to explore all areas that will assist in formulating recommendations towards attaining this goal. Their visit to South Africa is aimed at rallying support and the panel knows that the South African government will support this mandate. Before visiting South Africa, the panel had visited Rwanda, and it still intends visiting Mozambique, Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe. The aim of the visits is to arm themselves with information from these countries as the panel believes that Unita still has representatives in these countries who act as conduits. It also believes that Unita sells diamonds and goods to these countries. The Chairperson concluded by stating that the aim of the meeting is to assist the United Nations in implementing workable sanctions against Unita.

Questions and comments by the committee.
Ms F Mahomed (ANC): How was this panel instituted?
Mr B Geldenhuys (NNP) suggested that the UN get talks off the ground aimed at solving the situation, as sanctions will not solve anything.
Mr C Nqakula (ANC): This panel should investigate and not rely on information given to them in the various countries. I would therefore suggest a monitoring group to ensure that the information obtained on Unita is neutral. Is this panel going to investigate themselves or just elicit information that is available?
Mr A Mollander informed the committee that the UN panel is a technical committee, whose function is to go into the various fields and investigate.
There is an ongoing debate on whether sanctions are effective or not and it is difficult to say. Sanctions do have a psychological impact on people. Economic sanctions have to a large effect had an impact on Angola. There is no voice against sanctions against Unita. Sanctions are not punitive, because it is aimed at putting pressure on Unita not to engage in war. This panel must consist of a balance between regions and expertise, which is chosen from recommendations, made to the Security Council.

Mr M Ramgobin (ANC) applauded the constitution of the panel, but raised concerns relating to the sale of diamonds, the role of banks and the arms dealing in Angola. He went on to say that the panel should establish who are the producers, buyers and brokers of diamonds. The extent of the involvement of banks (in money laundering) and the manufacturers of arms used by Savimbi must also be established.

Mr A Mollander responded that UNITA controlled industrial mining, but now the government controls it. Furthermore part of the panel's mandate is to investigate laundering by banks. Mr Olivier Vallee confirmed that the link between arms and diamond sales is the banks. The money from diamond sales is deposited in banks and from there it is transferred into the bank accounts of arms dealers. This is something the panel is looking into investigating. Mr Vallee indicated that at the moment they have "no substantive evidence or documentation, but have a qualified accusation". Col O Tiroyamodimo said, "The dilemma we are facing is that we can confirm that UNITA weapons originate from Eastern Europe but can not determine from which country. Arms dealers produce weapons that are similar, unless one has technical knowledge of weapons and has a close look, it is difficult to establish where it is from. What we are also interested in knowing is how these weapons reach Savimbi."

Mr M Pheko (PAC) said, "The Angolan situation has been going on for a long time and I wonder whether sanctions are enough." He went on to say that the international community would like sanctions to continue, but what is not considered is that Savimbi is dealing with greedy people and these are the people who should be targeted. Should these people not be identified and targeted, sanctions will not work.

In response Mr Mollander said it is necessary to have sanctions, but it seems not to be enough. That is why the task of this panel is so important, in that information would be gathered on how Savimbi is still, despite sanctions, managing to wage a war. The identification of people assisting Savimbi is also a difficult task, as "friends of UNITA are too embarrassed to come forward and say that they are friends of UNITA".

Ms F Mahomed (ANC) asked whether the panel would be able to fulfill their mandate within the six month period given. Mr Mollander indicated that great hopes are placed upon this panel and after the six month period they would have to write a report on their findings.

Ms F Mahomed (ANC) furthermore enquired about the involvement of South Africa and role South Africa can play in resolving the conflict. In response Mr Mollander said the purpose of the visit to South Africa is to determine what role could and is being played by South Africa.

Ms M Magazi (ANC) asked why the Security Forces have not arrested Savimbi. Mr Mollander indicated that in terms of international law this is a domestic affair and only Angola has jurisdiction, but Angola has already issued a warrant of arrest. He went on to say that they are aware that Savimbi is in Angola, but the difficulty is finding him.

The Chairperson thanked the panel for their briefing. The meeting was adjourned.