Press encounter after meeting with Angolan President Eduardo dos Santos (unofficial transcript)

As important as this phase is we have many tasks ahead of us. We have to continue our efforts to reach all the needy people and I think we are making progress on the humanitarian part. There is the question of recovery and reconstruction, the question of the mines, which is a very, very serious problem and of course there are issues like improving health services, education.

Once the Government and the people of Angola are determined to press ahead with these tasks they are going to need the support and the cooperation of the international community and the UN and the leaders I have spoken to are prepared to work with the government and the people of Angola and I think the latest Security Council resolution is a firm indication of the will of the international community.

On a personal level I am very happy to be back in Angola. My first ever visit as Secretary-General was to Angola, and I come at a critical time when peace is on the horizon and the people of Angola, who have gone through so many years of war can look forward to a future of peace, stability, and hopefully prosperity. Thank you very much.

In answer to a question on the UN's role:

SG: I have indicated a broad range of activities that would occupy the government and its international partners and so the UN's involvement here is much accepted and I am very happy that rapid progress has been registered. But that is only one part of the vast array of tasks that one needs to undertake. We will work effectively with the government on all fronts.