Brasilia, 4 (Agência Brasil - ABr) – The presidents of Brazil, Fernando Henrique Cardoso, and of Angola, Jose Eduardo dos Santos, met Friday (March 1) in Brasilia. According to a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Relations, the meeting occurred at a moment of particular importance in the evolution of the internal Angolan political situation - after the death of UNITA leader, Jonas Savimbi, on February 22.

The two presidents spoke about the prospects for peace and reconciliation in Angola. Cardoso reiterated Brazil's willingness to help the Angola government in its efforts to establish conditions for the prompt and full pacification of that country. The statement added that Cardoso expressed his confidence that the Angolan government will be able to convince UNITA of "the need for the immediate cessation of hostilities, thus opening the way for the integral execution of the Lusaka Accords."

According to the Itamaraty chancellery, the two presidents emphasized the importance of continual support on the part of the international community, including through effective measures, for the reestablishment of dialogue between the Angolan political forces and for the nation's reconstruction. (MW)