Miss Universe 2011 is ANGOLAN
Transcription
Miss Universe 2011 is ANGOLAN
www.angola.org Official Magazine of the Embassy of Angola to the USA • Fall‑Winter 2011 President Barack Obama accepted credentials from new Angolan Ambassador to the U.S. Page 27 Angola assumed the Presidency Page 15 of SADC Miss Universe 2011 Is Angolan Angolans Got Talent! Page 41 Basketball Female National Team in London Olympics in 2012 Page 51 Summary President Barack Obama accepted credentials from new Angolan Ambassador to the US Editorial ‑ Message to the Readers . . . . . 4 Angola News briefing . . . . . . . . . . . 5 > 11 Highlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 > 14 Two Women Presidents Visited Angola . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 The train back to referee . . . . . . . . . . History ‑ Memories / Chronic . . . 39 > “The influence of Angola in the U.S. Culture” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 > Ellen Johnson‑Sirleaf, President of Liberia, 2011 Nobel Peace Prize, visited Angola . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dilma Rousseff, President of Brazil, visited Angola . . . . . . . . . Politics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 > 31ª SADC Summit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . State of the Nation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 > Opening speech at the Fourth Session of the Legislative National Assembly delivered by His Excellency President José Eduardo dos Santos . . . . . Diplomatic Activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 > National Prayer Breakfast . . . . . . . . TAAG acquired two aircraft type 777 ‑ 300ER from Boeing . . . . . Angolan parliamentary delegation visited the United States of America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . President Barack Obama accepted credencials from the New Angolan Ambassador to the U.S . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66ª Annual UN Session . . . . . . . . . . . . Minister of Foreign Affairs led the Angolan delegation at the United Nations General Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . National Reconstruction . . . . . . . . . 36 > New Kilamba Kiaxi City will have 20.000 homes until 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . Miss Universe 2011 is ANGOLAN! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Miss Angola 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Miss Universe 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Died André Mingas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Press Archive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 > Promoting the Image of the Country . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Knowledge an important step in life! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . UN Day celebrated at ONENESS‑FAMILY SCHOOL in Maryland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. Partners bade farewell to outgoing Ambassador of Angola . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Angola participated at the 2011 U.S. – Africa Business Summit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Angolan woman entrepreneur honored in Washington, D.C. . . . . . . . Mwangolé‑Night . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 > Angola did well and Scored! We Won! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 40 39 44 Página 27 Official Magazine Embassy of Angola to the USA Fall‑Winter 2011 Director Alberto do Carmo Bento Ribeiro Ambassador of the Repubic of Angola to the USA Editor Laurinda Santos Press Attaché USA Angolan Embassy Photos Press Office Archive & Angop Rights Reserved Designer António Salsinha www.antoniosalsinha.com Printer Tim McClellan – Strategic Print Solutions Cover President Barack Obama accepted credentials from new Angolan Ambassador to the US Embassy of the Republic of Angola to the U.S. 2100‑2108 16th Street N.W. Washington, DC 20009 Ph: (202) 785‑1156 Fax: (202) 785‑1258 / 822‑9049 Email: angola@angola.org www.angola.org 12 14 17 15 26 18 35 27 28 30 31 33 41 41 41 44 50 45 46 46 47 48 50 50 53 51 33 38 36 Know Angola . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 > 55 Malanje ‑ Kalandula Water Falls, a delight Paradise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Fall-Winter 2011 > Imbondeiro > 3 Editorial Dear Readers, T he year 2011 is about to end.The Angolan government continued a series of achievements and projects, in order to improve the life of our people, for the development of our country and greater assertiveness in the international arena. Angola is developing at a rapid pace, despite the difficulties inherent in any process of socio‑economic development, in a post‑conflict country. Enjoying peace there are nine years, we can say that the Republic of Angola, got the place it deserves in the world, and today the Angolan people, who every day feel the wounds healing, with a smile can say “Yes we can”, despite the many challenges and difficulties. We learned how to “create love without tears” as the great poet of our mother land wrote, Agostinho Neto, Angola’s first president, and with feet firmly we walk towards the progress in this globalized world. Each year, we approved a further package of measures to accelerate the growth of the Angolan economy. “This is a remarkable effort of management that sets goals, makes it easier to monitor and deal with it responsibility. The same measures are being implemented as in its original and we are sure, that it will increase the efficiency of government machinery”, I quote the Chief of the Executive in his speech on the State of the Nation. Angola moves forward, breaking down its barriers. Indeed we are! Last October we assisted the opening of the Fourth Legislative Session of the Second Legislature of the National Assembly. His Excellency, President José Eduardo dos Santos, delivered his second speech on the State of the Nation, which addressed questions about our current national situation and the suggestions and proposals of the Executive on the future of our country, “task made easier because the country is heading”, said. This path is clearly defined in our strategy for Long Term Development, known as “Angola 2025”, which exposes and explains the objectives that constitute our national ambition and can be summarized as guarantor of unity and national cohesion, promoting peace and proud of being Angolans. As Ambassador of the Republic of Angola to the United States of America, I present you the fourth edition of “Imbondeiro”, your magazine, which is a brief portrait of the main political, socio‑economic and cultural Angola. Featured in this issue the opening speech of the Fourth Legislative Session of the Second Legislature at the National Assembly by the Chief of the Executive, the progress achieved in various sectors of national life. Angolan women for the first time made an achievement in sports and beyond; the most beautiful woman in the world “Miss Universe 2011” is an Angolan. From Luanda to Malange, who does not feel delighted to admire the Kalandula waterfalls? Do not miss the trip and see our beautiful country, Angola! Alberto do Carmo Bento Ribeiro Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Republic of Angola to the USA 4 > Imbondeiro > Fall-Winter 2011 Angola News Briefing ENERGY Improvement of electricity system depends on global investment ELECTIONS Adão de Almeida confident in achieving the objectives in relation to voter registration with reference to the work of voter registration which is being developed in the country and particularly in Huambo province. T T he secretary of State for Energy, João Baptista Borges, affirmed in Luanda, that improvement of the country’s electricity system depends on global investment in the sector. Speakint at the program “Espaço Público” from the Angola Public Television (TPA), the official stated that more investment is necessary in the system of production, transport and distribution of electricity, in order to increase quality and regularize the supply of the product to the population. João Baptista Borges explained that not every electricity problem in the country is related with the production capacity, but also with the bad state of the transportation and distribution network. The secretary of State for Energy stressed that the country is making big investment in the areas of production, transportation and distribution of energy, aimed to improve supply to the population. v he Deputy Minister of Territorial Administration, Adão de Almeida, expressed confidence in achieving the objectives in relation to voter registration. Adão de Almeida made this statement while speaking to journalists at the end of his three‑day visit to observe the process of updating the voter registration in the province of Huambo. Made known that about one million and 16,000 voters were registered from July 29 until last week of September in all the country, a figure that represents 20 percent of the national goal to be achieved, which is eight million voters. “We have a level of daily output above 50 a 55 thousand records.” He added that the pace of work that today we have gives more guarantees, in the province of Huambo and in particular with regard to national data that is collected. The vice‑minister of Territorial Administration said it was positive “In the province of Huambo, it is clear that we still have much work ahead, we must increase the size of reader’s mobilization but from what we have found very high levels of mobilization and daily productivity also acceptable,” he said. In terms of breakdowns that are entered into the recording equipment, he stressed that this process is normal, since they are overcome without paralyzing the work. In this regard, he appealed to Angolans of voting age who have not updated their records in order not to leave the last day, since a little time and there are many brigades available in various parts of the country. On the last day of his visit to Huambo province, de Almeida, visited the brigades of electoral locales Casseuque, Belo Horizonte and the Upper Town, both in the municipality where the provincial capital. During his visit, the head of MAT also learned about the functioning of the electoral registration process in the municipalities of Caála and Bailundo, where he also met with students, teachers, traditional authorities and the general population. v The nominal value of GDP at 9.8 billion kwanza, a real growth rate of 12.8 percent, divided by 13.4 percent for the oil sector and 12.5 percent for the non‑oil sector Fall-Winter 2011 > Imbondeiro > 5 Angola News Briefing EDUCATION OIL Oil production encrypted curretenly in 1,7 million barrels/day the history in the country dates back more than a century (1910). In this context and making an incursion into the past, said the first commercial production in onshore Congo Basin took place in the Reservoir Benfica in 1955, indicating that there was oil in exploitable quantities and that research work and production could continue. Botelho de Vasconcelos, Minister of Oil. O il production in Angola has now reached a daily average of one million and 750 million barrels, representing a progressive increase of ten times more in the post‑independence, compared to the year 1975 (when the independence was achieved), which produced 173 thousand barrels per day. The information was provided by the head of the sector, Botelho de Vasconcelos, while speaking at the conference on “Arbitration in Oil”, as part of the academic program of the third postgraduate course in law of oil and gas, at the Faculty of Law, Agostinho Neto University (UAN). According to the minister, currently the major challenges in the field of oil drilling and production are located in the sea, ultra deep and, very recently, in the pre‑salt, highlighting major development projects such as the Paz Flor, Grande Plutónio and Angola LNG. “The success in the field of oil that makes every Angolan be proud, is due to the high potential of the reserves, the existing technical and financial capacity available, and above all, a good human resource management”, added, noting that 6 > Imbondeiro > Fall-Winter 2011 In 1966, he recalled, was discovered offshore of Cabinda, the first major deposit of Angola, for Cabinda Gulf Oil Company, and from this date, with the aim of enhancing vigorously search for oil in Angola, they divided up the areas offshore and onshore blocks up and negotiated contracts with several firms. In the period following independence, continued the minister, the legal framework and structure of oil changed significantly, with the creation of Sonangol, as exclusive licensee in 1976 and the publication of Law 13/78 (Petroleum Act). “The policies and strategies established in 1980, based on intense research activity, have revealed a large number of deposits, and most of them in production,” said Botelho de Vasconcelos, congratulating the Faculty of Law for the noble initiative to promote, for some years, the course of postgraduate training in the area. v Head of State inaugurated first phase of University Campus A ngolan president José Eduardo dos Santos inaugurated the furst phase of Luanda’s University campus, located at Kilamba Kiaxi district. Accompanied by the First Lady, Ana Paula dos Santos, vice‑president, Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos, president of Constitutional Court, Rui Ferreira, among other individualities, the Head of State also visited two libraries and the chemistry laboratory. During the visit, the president was briefed on the conclusion of the work at the most modern urban project in the country. According to the minister of Urbanization and Construction, Fernando Fonseca, $US 190 million was earmarked for its construction. Expected to start in 2012, the institution, with a capacity to accommodate 2,200 students, will run courses of mathematics, chemistry, physics and computing science. The infrastructure consists of five buildings for the respective college as well as networks of drinking water treatment and electricity installed. During the first phase of the project was built a dining hall, facilities for banks, shops, residential complex for faculty and staff, gym, teaching laboratories and research, among other structures. The second phase, scheduled to start in 2012, will mark the construction of the faculties of engineering, medicine, university of health science and a university hospital. v Angola News Briefing Press attachés and media advisors participated at the Seventh annual methodological meeting November 28‑29, 2011 P ress officers from the various diplomatic and consular missions, permanent missions at the UN, and the press advisors of different public sectors, participated in Luanda, in its VII annual methodological meeting, under the guidance of the Minister of Social Communications, Carolina Cerqueira. one, the sixth. Discussed were also issues concerning the promotion of Angola abroad to strengthening Angolan foreign policy, and provided information related to the process of updating the voter registration underway in the entire country. The regulation of the activity of press officers and their functional dependence were among other methodological issues that guided the meeting. The minister of Social Communications spoke about the role of the press officers, under the new challenges and strategies. Opening ceremony. The minister, which opened the event, hoped the meeting would be constructive and educational, capable of enriching the reflection that the sector carries through for the improvement and efficiency of its services. The meeting that last two days assessed the methodological recommendations of the previous Press officers gathered at their VII annual methodological meeting. Waco‑Kungo, Cela municipality, Kwanza‑Sul province. Information on the status of press, the role of the Office for Revitalizing the Institutional Communication Management (Grecia) and its connection with the Ministry of Social Communications were also issues analyzed and discussed at the event. Participants took part in the city of Waco‑Kungo municipality of Cela, Kwanza‑Sul province, at the gala National Journalism Award, visited the new centrality of Kilamba and the Production Center of the Angolan Ritz Hotel, Waco‑Kungo. Public Television (TPA) at Camama outskirts of the city of Luanda. In the city of N’Dalatando, Kwanza‑Norte province, the press officers at a meeting with the provincial Governor Henrique Manuel Júnior, were informed about the national reconstruction efforts in the city of N’Dalatando and encouraged to publicize it, to attract more foreign investment, and visited the new headquarters of the government, the plant of reception and bottling of natural water “Cristalis”, the new rehabilitated airport, the offices of the public media enterprises, RNA, TPA and Edições Novembro, under construction from scratch. Participated at the meeting, held one of the hotels in Luanda, the CEOs of national public media enterprises, information executive administrators as well as other guests. Diplomats called to work on image In her opening remarks at the seventh annual Press Attaché Methodological meeting, the Minister of Social Communication said that the press officers of the Diplomatic Fall-Winter 2011 > Imbondeiro > 7 Angola News Briefing Press attachés and media advisors participated at the Seventh annual methodological meeting (cont.) Press Officers met with provincial Governor Henrique André Júnior in N’Dalatando. & Consular Missions and at the Angolan Permanent Missions to the UN should continue to promote abroad the reality of the country. Carolina Cerqueira, asked the participants to adopt a “dignified and creative” posture when performing their duties. “The recent opening of embassies in several countries, stressed, is due to the credibility and dynamism of your activity, which is not divorced from the essence of the diplomatic action of the Executive”, said. The minister also asked the press officers to report regularly to the Ministry of Social Communications their activities and mentioned that in some cases there is total absence of communication, little creativity and operational apathy, unlike others where the information flow is constant and quite effective. Panoramic view of N’Dalatando. 8 > Imbondeiro > Fall-Winter 2011 Carolina Cerqueira stressed the importance of periodic evaluation of the performance of the press officers under the new management policies developed by the Ministry of Social Communications. The minister also said that 2011 was a milestone for strengthening the media in the country and recalled that it was largely discussed the legislative package of the sector, with a series of draft legislation to be approved soon by the National Assembly. N’Dalatando the birth place of the famous and rare Porcelain Roses. Call to update the electoral registration The Minister urged the press officers to reconfirm the electoral data. Carolina Cerqueira’s request was made at the end of a short seminar on elections prepared for about 50 press officers who participated at the meeting, which main speaker was the National Director of Elections, Agostinho Lima that recalled that there is no voter registration abroad and are only entitled to vote those who are abroad because of illness, studies or work. “We are unable to travel abroad to register as teams in the country are N’Dalatando‑Botanical Garden of Kilombo. still facing some difficulties,” said Agostinho Lima, who argued the creation of an updated database. Year 2011 an important milestone in strengthening media Carolina Cerqueira said that the year 2011 marks an important milestone in strengthening the sector in Angola, because the whole nation has been involved at the extensive public discussion on the legislative package. “The public discussion of the legislative package of the sector, brought together representatives of the public and private press class, civil society, academics, military and political in the approach of draft legislation which details should be assessed and approved by the National Assembly,” she said. According to the minister, everybody is aware of the crucial role that the press plays in society, fundamental in the construction of democracy not only because they promote the free formation of public opinion and contribute decisively to the level of information and knowledge of the citizens. N’Dalatando Sunset. Angola News Briefing Angola attended the II Conference on Armed Violence Social Comunications Media Consultative Council November 3‑5, 2011 Carolina Cerqueira, Minister of Social Communications. Speaking at the Press Officers seventh annual methodological meeting, said that the existence of a legal framework, particularly demanding in the field of Media, justified by the need to ensure the balance of public and private interests behind it, the State promotes and protects freedom of expression and information. The level of infrastructures, referring to the television, that are already in operation equipped with cutting‑edge technologies, especially as modern facilities will allow the extension of TV services to the major regions of Angola. Such actions, according to the Minister, continue in the rest of the country, to ensure greater access to communication by people in more remote areas and communities. Are likewise ongoing implementation of community radio stations in strategic areas of the interior or in the border areas of difficult access and large settlements. The creation of the rural radio in the city of Waco Kungo, is another reality, which will also host the Edições Novembro headquarters that from this town will prepare the first supplement devoted to rural activity. For 2012, are also part of the activities, the construction of new buildings for Rádio Luanda and Viana. She advanced that to the side of the modernization process the country is registering, the Social Communications sector is taking steps to improve more and more the services rendered to the population. v Manuel Augusto, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.. A ngola participated at the Second Ministerial Review Conference of the Geneva Declaration on Armed Violence, adopted in 2006 with a delegation led by Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Manuel Augusto. The conference was organized by the Helvetic Confederation in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), aimed to assess progress in implementing the Geneva Declaration on Armed Violence and Development. The objectives achieved with this conference were the renewal of political commitment in meeting the goals, assessing the degree of implementation of commitments made since 2008, to the integration of armed violence on development strategy, and building platforms for collection, assessment and data monitoring and exchange of national experiences. The meeting developed specific mechanisms to accelerate the objectives of the Geneva Declaration and set priorities for the implementation of this document until 2015. Alongside the meeting, there were sessions in which they discuss topics such as quantitative management of armed violence, the integration of prevention and reduction of armed violence in the national development strategy, arms control, small size and caliber, the role of youth the prevention of armed violence and the role of justice in the prevention of crime and armed violence. The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs who was accompanied at the Conference by the Permanent Representative of Angola to the UN and International Organizations Ambassador in Geneva, Apolinário Correia, Director of Multilateral Affairs of Mirex, Margaret Izata, spoke at the event. The Conference ended with the adoption of the draft Final Declaration. v Carolina Cerqueira, Minister of Social Communications. T he VII Media Consultative Council of the Ministry of Social Communications was held in the city of Luena, capital of Moxico province, in a ceremony chaired by the provincial governor, João Ernesto dos Santos “Liberdade”. During two days, participants at the event which was guided by the incumbent minister, Carolina Cerqueira, analyzed and put in perspective the implementation of the Executive Strategy of the sector for the period 2010/2012, and the coverage rate of public information services at the national territory. The degree of organizational restructuring and technological modernization of social communications, public companies and institutes, the Public Investment Plan for 2012, the Legislative Package of Social Communication and the degree of disclosure and the facts of governance and promote the image of the country were the main subjects of the event. Under the slogan “Modern Mass Media to Better Serve the Citizen”, the sector VII Consultative Council was attended by 170 participants, including the deputy minister of Social Communications, Miguel de Carvalho, national directors, CEOs and administrators of the sector public and private enterprises, provincial directors, heads of documentation & information centers, among other guests. v Fall-Winter 2011 > Imbondeiro > 9 Angola News Briefing Vice‑President sworn in ANIP CEO She defended to be very important to know whether investors are implementing projects in accordance with the proposals, the deadlines and the use of Angolan workers, according to what is presented. T he vice‑president, Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos, sworn in Luanda, the CEO for the National Agency for Private Investment (ANIP), Maria Luísa Abrantes. During the ceremony, attended by Ministers of State and Chief of Staff, Carlos Feijó, Finance, Carlos Lopes, as well as senior officials from the office of the vice‑president, were also sworn in as administrators of ANIP Edeltrudes Domingos Costa and Costa e Luís Domingos José. In his speech, the vice‑president congratulated the new leadership of ANIP and augured success for their new mission. At the same time, promised to work to promote as much as possible the potential of the provinces and their resources to attract more investments. For this reason, she emphasized, is necessary to be active and show that Angola is ready to receive foreign capital. According to Maria Luísa Abrantes, the government has shown that is able and has the capacity to support these investments, because it has worked hard on what is needed for the success of private investment. This is ensured by investment in basic infrastructure such as ports, airports, telecommunications, and roads and now is putting an emphasis on energy and water. “With work to overcome the still existing weaknesses, it’ll be easier to sell the brand Angola,” she concluded. v In turn, after the ceremony, the head of ANIP, Maria Luísa Abrantes, told the press, that one of the top priorities will be the monitoring of projects and promote the diversity of investment. She explained that a great follow up of projects has not yet been done, perhaps for lack of a framework and technicians with special profile for the area. 10 > Imbondeiro > Fall-Winter 2011 Maria Luísa Abrantes, ANIP CEO. AGRICULTURE Rice production will create more than one thousand direct T he president of the board (CEO) of the company Gesterra ‑ management of arable land, Carlos Alberto Jaime, said that the project’s farm production and processing of rice in Longa commune, municipality of Kuito Kuanavale, will create more than one thousand direct jobs for local people. Carlos Alberto Jaime assured that these jobs will allow the enhancement of crop production in the country, as well as allow the province to have a high occupancy rate of skilled labor. According to the CEO, this project provides for the Angolan Executive training of skilled workforce, able to give a big boost to the socio‑economic region of Kuando Kubango. He advanced that the farm will have a period of about three years under Chinese management, during which will be achieved the established targets (in terms of production), and then the project can be transferred to Angolans, including the private sector. Initially, he said, the project starts with a production of about 200 hectares in the 2011/2012 agricultural year, in a fully irrigated perimeter along the Longa River. Carlos Alberto Jaime also informed that this will be a great incentive for the production of cereals in the country. “The project is funded by the Development Bank of China with the Government, and the company Gesterra the representative of the Ministry of Agriculture, while the Chinese company “CAMC”, promoting the project, the partner of the Angolan government,” he said. Overall, over three years provides coverage of five thousand acres of land for rice production. v Angola News Briefing Program “Espaço Público” Government engaged in the creation of mechanisms for Justice to reach citizens Guilhermina Prata, Minister of Justice. T he Minister of Justice, Guilhermina Prata, said in Luanda that the Angolan Government is engaged in the creation of mechanisms for citizens to get justice, fulfilling the assumptions embodied in the Constitution. Guilhermina Prata who spoke during the live program “Espaço Público” of the Public Television of Angola (TPA), stressed that it is the mission of the sector to ensure a stronger social justice, contributing to the economic, legal pluralism, as well as access to the right and justice. According to her, in order to allow the court to reach the citizen, the Executive is carrying out the construction of infrastructure, especially the municipal courts in all provinces, to allow the settlement of disputes. The minister noted that there is work that is being designed by the sector for the short term and within the financial constraints likely to overcome the difficulties and thus achieve the desideratum in order to increase the number of municipal courts. “The lack of courts is one of the constraints that exist in the sector, but the Executive is working to bring justice to the citizen and commit the same right,” she said, stressing that at country level there are 19 provincial and municipal courts, except in the provinces of Bengo, Moxico and Kuando Kubango. v PLANNING Advisory Board of the Ministry of Planning defined tasks at local level T he participants at the III Advisory Board of the Ministry of Planning recommended in Malanje, to the heads of statistical offices and planning (GEPE) of the 18 provinces of the country to conduct the periodic evaluation of the projects under their responsibility. The recommendation is part of the final document, which indicates that the results of this periodic assessment should be directed to the ministry which is its central body. They also recommended that those responsible for GEPE should identify more rigorously, the priorities of the provincial governments as a way to ensure a smooth implementation of projects and resource management, aiming at the acceleration of some processes. The carrying out of society’s awareness of the importance of population census in preparation, as well as the need for the cooperation of citizens in certain actions, was one of the recommendations adopted by the participants. “Mobilizing the GEPE of provincial officials in order to start working on tasks to support the implementation of the next census, as well as the installation and operation of the provincial offices of the National Statistics Institute (INE),” refers the same document that sets out the resumption of the practice of monitoring and evaluation of projects within and across departments and provincial governments, as their priority. Ana Dias Lourenço, Minister of Planning. On the other hand, the meeting concluded that there is a need for a country strategy for long‑term development to date and adequate. Upon closing, the Minister Ana Dias Lourenço said the challenges facing the sector are “numerous and complex,” so there is an urgent need to work together around the meeting approaches. “This advisory council may be managed in a way capable of providing the best relationship between the organs of the planning system and greater dialogue, suggested during the work,” she said. During two days, the meeting analyzed, among others, the activities undertaken in 2011 and the outlook for 2012, in addition to public investment programs for the same year. v Fall-Winter 2011 > Imbondeiro > 11 Highlights Two Women Presidents visited Angola September 11‑12, 2011 Ellen Johnson‑Sirleaf, President of Liberia, 2011 Nobel Peace Prize, visited Angola The President of the Republic of Liberia, Ellen Johnson‑Sirleaf, said in Luanda that her visit of 48 hours to Angola, served to strengthen the cooperation ties between the two countries. S peaking to journalists at the International Airport “4 de Fevereiro”, Ellen Johnson‑Sirleaf said that “this visit to Angola served to further strengthen relationships lost during the war.” The Liberian Head of State recalled was in Angola for the first time in 1978 integrating the delegation of former President William Tolbert Jr., as a junior officer and returned years later as a senior official of the United Nations (UN). Ellen Johnson‑Sirleaf, Liberia’s President, paid tribute to Agostinho Neto, the founder of the Nation, at the Independence Square. both countries, the Liberian President revealed that both Angola and Liberia will work from now on this. “President dos Santos remembers those times and also believes that we must work to strengthen those bonds of friendship that unite our two countries,” she said. Ellen Johnson‑Sirleaf noted that in her meeting with the Angolan Head of State issues like politics and the African continent’s development were Ellen Johnson‑Sirleaf left a message of courage to all African women to dedicate them more to activism and “work as leaders in society, because all we want is one more woman president in Africa,” she said. v the focus of the dialogue and in this sense takes “excellent advice”. She proved to be satisfied by the level of development that Angola is living, adding that she takes this example to be applied in her country, mainly the achievements in the oil sector. Approached about the possibility of her visit to Angola expedite the opening of diplomatic missions in 12 > Imbondeiro > Fall-Winter 2011 President of Liberia visited the new Kilamba City. Highlights Two Women Presidents visited Angola • September 11‑12, 2011 • Ellen Johnson‑Sirleaf Biographical data of the President of Liberia E José Eduardo dos Santos, received at the “Palácio da Cidade Alta”, its counterpart of Liberia, Ellen Johnson‑Sirleaf. The president of Angola took the opportunity to review bilateral relations, and discuss issues of regional and international interest. During her official visit to Angola, Ellen Johnson‑Sirleaf took the opportunity to visit several places of socio‑economic nterest, in order to evaluate the interest in the field of reconstruction and development of Angola, such as the monument to Agostinho Neto, the and new city of Kilamba and Sonils, logistics base of the Port of Luanda. Like Angola, Liberia also went through a trouble armed conflict. The way Angola emerges from the wreckage of war, and the development that has been able to achieve, have inspired the president of Liberia. The Liberian President invited President José Eduardo dos Santos to undertake a state visit to her country. The dates of the visit will now be traded through the respective diplomatic channels. v llen Johnson‑Sirleaf was born in Monrovia, Liberia capital, on October 29, 1938. She is the president‑elect of Liberia, who won the presidential election on November 8, 2005, in which she defeated the other main candidate, ex‑ soccer player George Weah. Leader of the Unity Party is the first woman elected Head of State of an African country. Johnson‑Sirleaf studied at Harvard University, and participated for the first time in Liberian government during the term of President William Tolbert, serving as Minister of Finance (since 1970). In 1985, being a candidate for a seat in the Senate, publicly criticized the military regime, which earned her a sentence of 10 years in prison, although she was released shortly after being arrested. After that, lived in exile until 1997, when he returns to Liberia as an economist at the World Bank and Citibank in Africa. Although Johnson‑Sirleaf first supported the revolt against Charles Taylor General Samuel Doe, then went to the opposition and participated in the 1997 Liberian elections, in which only achieved about 10% of the votes while Charles Taylor had about 75% (fraud suspected in the elections). She was accused of betraying the country, and she made public campaigns calling for the output power of Taylor. Johnson‑Sirleaf played an active role in the transitional government before the presidential elections of 2005, assuming leadership of the Unity Party after the departure of Taylor from the country. In the first round of elections, her candidacy was the second most voted with 175,520 votes, going back to the second final in which faced George Weah. On November 11, 2005, with 97% of the votes, the National Electoral Commission of Liberia declared Johnson‑Sirleaf winner, result not accepted by Weah, who presented an appeal to the Liberian Supreme Court asking to suspend the scrutiny for alleged irregularities. On November 23 the request was rejected and Johnson‑Sirleaf was confirmed as President. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf won the second round of presidential elections in her country, last November 8, 2011, with 90.8% of the votes. v Ellen Johnson‑Sirleaf shared the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize with two African women, also a Liberian activist Leymah Gbowee and Iemenita Tawakkul Karman, journalist and activist. Fall-Winter 2011 > Imbondeiro > 13 Highlights Two Women Presidents visited Angola September 11‑12, 2011 Dilma Rousseff, President of Brazil, visited Angola The President of Brazil Dilma Rousseff landed on the night of October 19, in Luanda for a 48‑hours visit to Angola I n Luanda, the President laid a wreath in honor of the first president of Angola, Agostinho Neto, at the Independence Square. macro‑economic policies to protect our nations from the contagion of recession and unemployment,” said the president of Brazil. Brazil was the first country to recognize the government of independent Angola in November 1975 and today still attaches great prestige to Brazilian diplomats in Luanda. Even in the most acute period of the Cold War, Brazil maintained its support to the Angolan government. Dilma also took the opportunity to defend the reform of multilateral institutions and the participation of Brazil in the UN Security Council. Currently, Angola is one of Brazil’s main trading partners in Africa with a total trade growth by more than 20 times between 2002 and 2008, reaching $ 4.21 billion. The largest Brazilian investments in Angola focus on the areas of construction, energy and mineral exploration. The agenda of Dilma Rousseff in Luanda also included a solemn session in the Angolan National Assembly and a working meeting with President José “The international situation is undergoing a period of accelerating change. Emerging countries such as Brazil and Angola are called to occupy more space,” she said. For its part, the President of Angola José Eduardo dos Santos, defended “the importance of the Brazilian presence in the UN Security Council and noted that Angola is the third largest market for Brazilian products.” Eduardo dos Santos, who also gave a luncheon in honor of the Brazilian President. Angola and Brazil will continue to grow together in the world economy During her visit to Angola, President Dilma Rousseff, said that her country and Angola will continue on the arm of the global economy. Dilma Rousseff at her arrival, International Airport “4 de Fevereiro” 14 > Imbondeiro > Fall-Winter 2011 “Brazil and Angola have fled the conservative prescription we know so well for over 20 years. We follow another path. We do not renounce our international responsibilities, but this moment requires Dilma said: “The presence of Brazilian companies in Angola is a testament of the effort to strengthen trade relations and increase joint investments.” At the end of speeches, Dilma Roussef and José Eduardo dos Santos toasted to the success of the two countries. v Politics 31ª SADC Summit “Strengthening the foundations of regional integration: Development of infrastructure to facilitate trade and economic liberalization” Angola became president of the community by 2012 August 17 ‑18, 2011 L uanda was the capital of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Fourteen (14) Heads of State and Government met at SADC 31ª Summit. The opening of the SADC Summit, held under the theme “Strengthening the foundations of regional integration: Development of infrastructure to facilitate trade and economic liberalization”, brought together over 600 guests especially parliamentarians, religious leaders, members of the the diplomatic corps accredited in Angola, representatives of political parties and civil society, amongst delegates, ministers and Heads of State and Government. v City capital – Luanda Marginal. Hifikepunye Pohamba considered SADC a strong and united body SADC is a regional institution strong and united, said its outgoing President, Hifikepunye Pohamba, at the summit held in Luanda. T he opening ceremony was marked with speeches of different entities, with emphasis on the outgoing chairman of SADC, the Namibian President Lucas Pohamba. effect to the free trade area, which may be energized with programs to create infrastructure, communication In the speech that preceded the transfer of the presidency of SADC to Angola, the outgoing president, Hifikepunye Lucas Pohamba, considered as positive the performance of its mandate at the helm of the regional organization. Hifikepunye Pohamba acknowledged that efforts are underway to give President of Namíbia. technologies and policies to attract business. He also highlighted the strengthening of cooperation between the SADC countries with the second‑largest world economy, China. The need for political stability in the region, the fight against hunger and HIV/AIDS was also included in the speech of Hifikepunye Pohamba, who wished success to the presidency of Angola in the next twelve months ahead of the Community Development of Southern Africa (SADC). v Fall-Winter 2011 > Imbondeiro > 15 Politics 31ª SADC Summit The Angolan Head of State José Eduardo dos Santos assumed the presidency of SADC T he new President of the block, the Angolan President José Eduardo dos Santos, in his closing speech, he emphasized that national programs to build infrastructure should converge as much as possible, with regional needs. “In SADC we must enforce the vision of a shared future, based on a balanced and socially sustainable development capable of promoting competitiveness and participation in globalization, to facilitate the movement of capital, goods and people, to bring together the different cultural patterns and and to boost human resources development,” emphasized President Dos Santos in his closing speech at the event. v New presidency will prioritize conflict resolution The President of the African Development Community (SADC), José Eduardo dos Santos, defended peaceful resolution of armed conflicts in the remaining region as the priority of his one‑year term. D os Santos, who was speaking at the closing ceremony of the Summit of Heads of State and Government of SADC in Luanda, said his priorities will also contribute to consolidating peace, security, human rights and democracy in the sub‑region. In addition, advocated the promotion of regional mobilization in the fight against malaria, AIDS and other endemic diseases, creating the effect to a regional center of expertise in charge of training the staff responsible for managing these issues. Considered beneficial to carry out during his tenure, a seminar with the aim of drawing up an action plan that allows implementing the results of the World Summit on Sustainable Development, held this year in Johannesburg, South Africa. He argued that these issues are essential for development and economic and political integration of the Community. At the level of education, said it is necessary to establish an efficient regional database, through which it will exchange experiences and information within the SADC. The materialization of these measures, along with other related sectors of transport infrastructure, energy and communications, will ensure the acceleration of regional integration and will decisively help the continent to succeed in achieving their goals development goals. He also said that this office will seek to complete the pilot phase of the center of food security and rural development, in order to advance the study of national and regional policies relating to this aspect and the creation of an information system on it. Found it necessary to organize a “crusade” against hunger. Issues related to water resources also deserve the attention of the community, said the chairman of SADC, adding that it is required the integrated management of water resources, as well as those relating to the management strategy of floods and droughts. 16 > Imbondeiro > Fall-Winter 2011 About the research and information and communication technologies, Dos Santos defends his building as key to the regional integration. The investment in this sector, he said, will be the road to development and therefore to fight poverty and develop human resources. He advocated the revitalization of the cultural background of the community in order to mobilize financial and other measures to fund new projects and cultural programs in order to rescue and safeguard the identity. Upon assuming the presidency of SADC, the Angolan Statesman asked to make an effort to adopt appropriate measures in the short and long term, in order to relieve the food shortage problem that afflicts an estimated 13 million people in some countries the sub‑region. He said the main of the challenges faced today by the SADC member states are not specific to the sub‑region or continent, but have a global character. Politics 31ª SADC Summit He referred to poverty, education, food insecurity, pandemics, drug trafficking, assaults on ecology, malaria and other issues requiring a collective response. For him, SADC continues to assert itself as an essential tool for ensuring economic development and address other key issues affecting security and stability in southern Africa. The vitality of this recognition also allows a more equitable and effective participation of member countries, whether in the field of international political relations, where they can assume positions of common interest, either as the current economic world. The economic and technical cooperation at SADC level have become an integral part of the reciprocal relations between member states and are an important means to promote the exchange of ideas, exchange of experience and knowledge on the advances of science and technology in the most various fields ‑ said. Considered rewarding the efforts for political settlement of the various armed conflicts that affected some countries and are now giving their fruits. The region moves steadily to the peace and security, a prerequisite for implementation of development policies in perspective ‑ he added. He said that every action of the SADC governments should aim to promote stability, democracy, good governance and respect for fundamental rights of citizens. Considered necessary to establish international relations more human and just, that can reverse the inequalities between the developed and in devepment designated. Dos Santos said it will be possible by promoting growth with equity, poverty eradication, increasing the supply of productive employment and the promotion of gender equality and social reintegration. “Our countries should be able to participate in the benefits of globalization on an equal footing with the developed states in order to avoid being marginalized the opportunities this process offers,” he said. ‑ I mplement the Coordination Center for Agricultural Research and Development; ‑ To contribute to the peaceful resolution of the remaining conflicts in the region and the consolidation of peace, security, Human Rights and Democracy at the level of SADC. “These are the aspects on which we primarily focus our efforts in order to obtain a real convergence as a minimum condition for the success of our integration,” said President José Eduardo dos Santos. “ SADC Flag. The chair of the SADC proposed, during his mandate, perform the following tasks: ‑ Strengthening the foundations of regional integration through the development of infrastructure and trade and the economic liberalization; ‑ Review the Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) ‑ Implement a Financing Strategy of the Regional Development Fund and its operation for preparation and development of infrastructure projects; ‑ Implement the Regional Poverty SADC Observatory ‑ To increase the prevention and control of communicable diseases, namely: transmitted HIV / AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis; Implementation of programs for the joint management of transboundary natural resources, with emphasis on the Transfrontier Conservation Areas; ‑ Designing a Program for Industrial Development; Dos Santos also defended the need to elevate the SADC to a new level, to become an active part in the development of Africa and the world. The Angolan Head of State indicated that it is necessary that the integration in the southern region is sustained and balanced in order to influence a new economic order in which the legitimate interests of all nations are respected and taken into consideration. Dos Santos also said that the revised Program Regional Indicative Strategic Development (RISP), which forms the core of the SADC Programme of Action, should conform to the procedures of the organization restructured in 2003 in order to obtain better results in terms of costs and benefits. The summit stressed that the development of infrastructure is essential to consolidate the foundations of regional integration. SADC aims until 2018 to go beyond a free trade area and implement even a single currency, a goal that many observers see with some caution. The official meetings of SADC in Luanda included the Standing Committee of Senior Responsibles (August 1113), the Council of Ministers (August 15‑16), the Organ of Troika (August 16) and the Summit of Heads of State and Government (August 17‑18). The event, had its first day divided into two sessions. v Fall-Winter 2011 > Imbondeiro > 17 State of the Nation Opening speech at the Fourth Session of the Legislative National Assembly Speech on the State of the Nation, delivered by His Excellency José Eduardo dos Santos, President of the Republic of Angola, at the opening ceremony of the Fourth Session of the Legislature 7. P romoting the competitive integration of the country in the global economy, ensuring a leading position in sub‑Saharan Africa. Luanda, October 18, 2011 His Excellency the President of the National Assembly, His Excellency the President of the Constitutional Court, Honorable Members of the Assembly, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, In accordance with Article No. 118, Section III, Chapter II of the Constitution, I would like to address you and all the people of Angola, regarding the State of the Nation. I will try explain as clearly as possible my ideas, findings and views concerning the current national situation and the Executive Power’s suggestions and proposals for the future. My task is made easier, because the country has a direction. This direction is clearly defined in our Strategy for Long Term Development, known as “Angola 2025”, which exposes and explains the objectives that constitute our national ambitions. These general and specific objectives were not found by chance. They are the result of in‑depth studies and discussions and consultations that took place throughout the national territory and which ultimate approval of the National Agenda of Consensus at the National Conference representing all strata of our people, held in Luanda in May 2008. It is worthwhile remembering them, because they summarize the objectives 18 > Imbondeiro > Fall-Winter 2011 of our people and will guide us in our daily lives. They are, namely: 1. E nsuring the unity and national cohesion, promoting peace and Angolan identity; 2. P romoting human development and welfare, eradicating hunger, poverty and disease, and raising the educational and health levels of the population; 3. P romoting sustainable development, ensuring the efficient use of natural resources and a fair distribution of national income; 4. E nsuring a high rate of economic development with macroeconomic stability and structural diversity; These general objectives have been explained and also developed in the electoral program of the MPLA, which was democratically submitted in 2008 to evaluation by the Angolan electorate and approved by majority vote. My name appeared first in the list of those who called for the vote and vowed to actually implement this program, which was unequivocally voted by more than 82 percent of voters. These voters thus placed their trust on us to govern Angola until 2012. This happened in an open, transparent, free and competitive electoral process, confirming that in Angola there is a regime based on popular will, expressed through the freedom of political organization, freedom of expression and direct suffrage and secret ballot. 5. D eveloping the national territory smoothly, boosting the competitiveness of the territories and promoting the most disadvantaged regions; Therefore, there is no basis to the claim that in Angola there is a dictatorial regime that does not recognize the rights, freedoms and guarantees of its citizens. There is no dictatorship here. Quite the contrary, we have a recent, alive, dynamic and participatory democracy, which consolidates with every passing day 6. B uilding a democratic and participatory society, guaranteeing the fundamental rights and freedoms and civil society development; It is therefore with a mandate from the sovereign will of the Angolan people that the Executive is leading the implementation of specific objectives set State of the Nation Education and Health out in its development strategy, having transformed them into sub‑executive programs. This is the sustainable development that respects the laws of the State and public policies on the preservation of the environment and biodiversity, at the same time sharing in the international community’s efforts to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change. In evaluating the degree of implementation of these programs, we find that we are moving on the right direction and have not deviated from the path initially defined. We also note that we are accelerating our progress to reach, as soon as possible, the general or final objectives of this Strategy. Consider some of these findings: Petroleum and Natural Gas This is the most important sector of the Angolan economy by far. Crude oil, the strongest foreign exchange earner, is the main source of funding for the State Budget, corresponding to more than 80 percent of tax revenue, widely financing the country’s imports. The highlight at this point is the increase of crude oil refining all over the country and the production of fuels, lubricants, paints and solvents, etc. Geology and Mines From 2008 to 2011 the Geology and Mining sector posted an average annual growth of 11.8 percent, as reflected on an annual average production of diamonds to the tune of 2.5 percent and increased production of quartz and mineral building materials such as sand, pebbles and gravel. In the diamond sub‑sector several actions are underway aiming, besides the extraction, expanding out activities of all stages of the industry’s production chain, since the marketing of rough diamonds to processing, including jewelry. Through a joint venture between the public and private sectors, iron and manganese mining has resumed, with an integrated project which includes metallurgical and steel plants, providing for the creation of more than three thousand jobs in Huila. The initial investment is about 400 million and reaching over two billion dollars. Advanced negotiations are being held with leading international partners, concerning the exploitation of phosphates and potassium in the north for the production of fertilizers and agricultural development. Initiatives are also underway for the production of gold and copper and the increase of production of ornamental rocks and other raw materials necessary for the construction materials industry. It is expected that as of 2013 the Geology and Mining sector will contribute significantly towards the increase in state revenues and the diversification of the national economy and increasing employment. Under the Education Reform in progress, the Executive remains committed to expanding the school network, improving the quality of education and strengthening the efficiency and equity of the education system at all levels. Thus, from 2002 to 2010, the annual average of students enrolled in various levels of education was more than 4.5 million. From 2010 to 2011 alone, there was an increase of 572,842 students enrolled, representing a growth of 9.3 percent. In 2010, the total number of students enrolled in the non‑university education system in introductory education was 668,358 and 4,273,006 in elementary education (ten times more than in the last year of the colonial period!). In both cycles of secondary education the figure was 868,225, a total of 5,809,589 in the non‑university education system. In 2011, that number rose to 6,115,649, distributed as follows: 709,576 in introductory, 4,455,548 in elementary, and 950,525 in the two cycles of secondary education. In turn, from 2002 to 2010 the teaching staff had an average growth rate of 14.54 percent. In 2010 the Ministry of Education had 200,698 teachers across the country. During this period, the number of classrooms in elementary and secondary levels has increased from about 19,000 to more than 53,000 in 2010, a growth rate of 165.71 percent. Fall-Winter 2011 > Imbondeiro > 19 State of the Nation However, since 2008, higher education experienced a remarkable growth, and currently the network of educational institutions has expanded reaching all provinces of the country with 17 public institutions, 7 of them universities, 7 colleges and 3 higher education schools, as well as 22 private institutions, 10 universities and 12 colleges, comprising a total of 39 higher education institutions, attended by about 150,000 students and around two thousand professors, including domestic and foreign. This growth has allowed a significant increase of the number of professors in different majors, currently estimated at about twelve hundred professor a year, plus an average of 160 professors trained abroad. The private sector has made an important contribution to this process, to the tune of 5 percent in the elementary and secondary education and about 50 percent in higher education. This sector needs to improve its management, more adequate infrastructure and equipment, teach more technical programs and also to review its pricing policy, since charges and fees for different services are still too high. The Executive is committed to creating a social support system for students, especially those most in need, contributing to the creation of conditions for academic success, including the granting of scholarships for training in the country or abroad. In 2011 three thousand domestic scholarships were granted, which should double in 2012. As for international grants, these have been awarded for many different specialties and countries, with priority given to science and technology, education sciences and medical sciences. In terms of health, in turn, the primary care network has been reinforced and the direct allocation of an equivalent 20 > Imbondeiro > Fall-Winter 2011 amount of about two million dollars annually was made to each municipality, for primary health care, to guarantee coverage of 78 percent of the population. To ensure the provision and quality of services to the population during the year 2010, 1255 qualified nurses and technicians were trained, and 3565 others were trained in key areas for reduction of maternal and infant mortality, which allowed a significant reduction in maternal mortality rates, which dropped from about 1,400 per 100,000 live births in 2001 to 610 in 2010. The routine immunization activities allowed the immunization of 91 percent of children under one year of age throughout the country and more than 6 million children under 5 years in each of the four national immunization days against polio. More than 55,000 women of childbearing age received tetanus vaccines, in routine immunization. The number of HIV counseling and testing centers increased significantly, from eight in 2003 to 547 in 2010. Additionally, virus vertical transmission prevention centers increased from 3 in 2004 to 200 in 2010, and antiretroviral treatment centers for adults and children increased from 3 in 2004 to 133 in 2010. These centers monitor 80,127 adults and children, 41,371 of them receiving antiretroviral treatments. As a result of these efforts, the survey conducted in 2010 showed a stabilization of the prevalence rate of HIV/AIDS at the national level, which remains one of the lowest of our continent. In order for all these health gains to be sustainable, the Executive has sought to prioritize the effective implementation of public policies at the municipal level, with the improvement of sanitation, food security, drinking water supply, reduction of maternal and infant mortality, control of endemic diseases and some non‑transmissible diseases. Meanwhile, the hospital network will be reinforced, under a regional integration perspective. Energy and Water The program ‘Water for All’ already provides drinking water to one million 200 thousand people. Water consumption increased from 67 liters per capita/day in 2008 to 101 liters per capita/day in 2011, an increase of 51 percent. By the year 2012, this program aims to ensure access to safe drinking water to at least 80 percent of the rural population. We have several ongoing medium and large‑scale projects, to ensure water supply in many urban centers, but for now there is a national portfolio of structural projects to satisfactorily solve the water problem, as there is in the Energy sector for electricity. The country needs a National Water Plan, depending on water availability, providing for different uses in agriculture, industry, human consumption and hydroelectric power generation. Measures have been taken to prepare this National Water Plan as soon as possible, and then a structure project portfolio will be prepared. However, in order to overcome the challenge of reducing the electricity deficit in the country to zero, the rehabilitation of the Gove, Mabubas, Lomaum and Cambambe I dams are underway, to be completed in 2012. These projects will add 295.6 megawatts to the power system. State of the Nation In order to improve the situation, thermal power generation units will also be installed in 2011 and 2012 in Cabinda, Luanda, Dundo, Lubango, Namibe, Menongue, Ondjiva, Huambo and Benguela. In order to better distribute the energy produced a ‘power grid’ will be built, which main axis is the interconnection between the north and center of the country. There currently are under way rehabilitation and expansion of the electricity distribution network in Cabinda, Saurimo, Dundo, Caxito, Sumbe, Porto Amboim, Huambo, Caala, Lubango, Namibe and Tombwa. On the other hand, structural projects that have been approved will be implemented in Soyo, Cambambe, Lauca, Caculo Cabaca, and Keve/Ebo by the year 2016, which will generate an output of 5000 ‘megawatts’, an investment of 8 billion dollars for production and about 9 billion for the power distribution and transportation system. Thus, if the Executive energy sector subprogram is fully met, the power supply will improve significantly in 2013 and from 2017 the main problems will be practically solved. Agriculture and Industry increasing food production, especially at the family farm level. The Agricultural Credit Campaign has involved $ 47 million and benefited 24,000 small farmers, living in 68 municipalities in 17 of the 18 provinces of the country, which represents the fulfillment of 75 percent of the commitment assumed with the peasant communities. However, over the past two years the resources mobilized for rural development and fighting poverty privileged, have prioritized the continued social and productive inclusion of the rural population and improving the provision of basic social services and promotion of social harmony. Farmers considered credit an instrument that can help them in the fight against poverty and consider the interest rate of 5 percent and the repayment period compatible with the agricultural and livestock activities and the needs of this business activity. Poverty rates fell from 68 percent in 2002 to 36.6 percent in 2010, as stated in Integrated Survey on the Welfare of the Population (IBEP), but they may fall further, if we work on the access roads used for transporting agricultural products from farm to city. A suitable mechanism for the marketing of agricultural products can avoid the huge crop losses of many peasant families, helping them to quickly eliminate hunger and poverty. The Executive is committed to ensuring access to all Angolans, at all times, to food of adequate quality and variety so as to contribute to human, economic and social development. In that connection it is developing programs aimed at Therefore, special emphasis will be given to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of secondary and tertiary roads throughout the country and the Rural Trade Program, as these factors are catalysts of increased agricultural and livestock production and the organized and decentralized marketing for the local administrator, and thus help improve the living conditions of rural population. We conclude that the rates of poverty and hunger are declining and this is proof that the freeing the Angolan from hunger and poverty is possible! In 2012 we will develop a more vigorous support for micro and small businesses, prioritizing financial aid with credits to help those people who are already conducting various small business activities. The vast majority of them are women who work with a lot of dedication, courage and sacrifice to get means to support and educate their children and so deserve our consideration, respect and support! These and other women in other areas are an important family stabilizing factor and social inclusion and cohesion. We will also continue to take care of gender balance, through the promotion of education and the rise of more women to management and leadership roles and fighting all forms of discrimination and violence. President of the National Assembly, Gentlemen, From 2008 to 2011, the manufacturing sector registered an average annual growth of around 8 percent. 750 private companies in almost all sectors were created and put into operation, with emphasis on food and drinks. The number of direct jobs created was 25,120 and the value of private investments reached about 4 billion dollars. The textile, clothing and footwear industry is now starting to take its first steps, with the revival of cotton plantation and weaving and rehabilitation and development of textile production in order to create jobs and replace imports. For the next year three textile mills will be implemented, including Textang II, in Luanda, Africa Textiles, in Benguela, and SATEC, in Kwanza‑Norte and Dondo. Fall-Winter 2011 > Imbondeiro > 21 State of the Nation It is anticipated that from 2012 to 2017 the manufacturing sector will post an average annual growth of around 10 percent and the average annual number of jobs created will be 7,400 direct and 7,580 indirect, and the estimated value of investments at 8 billion and 500 million dollars, included in the portfolio of the Ministries of Industry and Mines and Geology. Urban Development and Housing The structure and evolution of the urban system and the national housing stock continue to grow gradually, thus providing a structured environment for the country’s development and strengthening of their conditions of territorial affirmation and cohesion. In this context, the National Housing Program entered an intense project phase, with emphasis on the construction of new cities and urban centers and redevelopment projects for large settlements, to cater to the social and middle income housing needs. In the context of the National Urbanization and Housing Program, the State, private sector and cooperatives are conducting in all provincial capitals and 127 municipal centers programs and construction projects of urban infrastructures, totaling 350,091 homes of different types, of which 210,024 are under state responsibility. The population to be housed is estimated at 2,100,546. 22 > Imbondeiro > Fall-Winter 2011 In some provinces there are some construction delays due to logistic conditions, but it is estimated that, once the constraints are overcome, the first homes will be delivered in 2012. To ensure the population’s access to home ownership, the Executive has established a system of mortgage loans that enables access on favorable terms for financing home ownership or purchase of land for construction. Another aspect to consider is self‑construction, under supervision, and modular houses, or houses that are being built in phases as a function of disposable income. In this regard, we wish to involve the private sector, both domestic and international, because it can contribute decisively to solve the problems of two homeless million people. We must also take into account, however, that the military conflict has forced many citizens to leave their places of origin and settle informally in critical areas or locations reserved for public projects. Our purpose is to ensure support for the solution of their problems, the two forms of construction described above, that is, supervised self‑construction and modular house construction. The Housing and Urban Development Program in progress in Luanda, involves the construction of three thousand modular homes. Over five thousand are expected to be built by 2012, in an area with infrastructure for twenty thousand homes. They are intended for families who still live in tents in the districts of Cacuaco, Viana and Zango. The same program will cover the people who are in the same situation in the provinces of Huila, Cunene and Huambo. Also underway, a more comprehensive diagnosis project is being conducted at the national level, in order to ascertain the actual number of people at risk of homelessness. Finally, the city of Luanda is undergoing a major transformation, both in its old urban quarter or in its surroundings, but its image still remains very poor. I ordered the Minister for Urban Planning and Construction, in cooperation with the Governor of this province, to present a plan for the complete renovation of the image of the capital city, addressing the repair of sidewalks, the repair and repave roads, improving street lighting and signage and speedy completion of the anticipated parking lots, in order to improve circulation. This plan also involves the painting of buildings and should begin in early 2012, so that Luanda reflects our desire to change for the better! Transportation, Infrastructure and Logistics Of all the subprograms, this one had the most outstanding growth. 6,500 kilometers of roads were rehabilitated and built, hundreds of bridges were built, railroads were revamped, airports were recovered and trade and logistics increased. Some weaknesses of the sector should be overcome, and the transportation systems are to be coordinated and integrated, specifically the ports with railways, airports and roads to the highways, and all of them with the logistics infrastructure. In 2012/13 we anticipate the completion of all roads, railways and the port of Lobito. State of the Nation The Executive has approved the construction of the country’s largest commercial port in Barra do Dande, Bengo province. It will be the main gateway for entry of goods, thus contributing to economic growth and job creation. million visitors and a million direct and indirect jobs, increase the inclusion of civil society and local populations; and get closer to the international hotel standards; and increase the contribution of hospitality and tourism to the Gross Domestic Product. Another important ongoing investment in the sector is the construction of a new jetty in Cabinda, which will serve as a support base for the construction of a deepwater port in the locality of Caio, whose executive project is nearing final stages of preparation. Culture and Sport The rehabilitation of the airport infrastructure continues at a rapid pace. The airports of Cabinda, Catumbela, Benguela, Malanje, Ondjiva, Lubango and Huambo were rehabilitated and modernized, and the airport of Cariango in Ndalatando, is ready to open. Later this month contracts will be approved for the rehabilitation of the airports of Soyo, Dundo, Saurimo and Luena. Next year we will complete the first phase of the new international airport in Luanda, which, on the final phase, will have the capacity of 15 million passengers per year. Most of the Luanda’s road structure rehabilitation program projects should be delivered still in 2011. Of the 19 points of intervention, at least 14 are already being finalized. The Luanda and Kifangondo and Viana‑Cabolombo‑Cacuaco Expressways are examples of projects that have led to significant improvements in traffic and urban planning. Hospitality and Tourism Given the existing economic conditions, this sector has experienced tremendous growth and is one of the most promising in terms of future development. The implementation of the recently approved Tourism Master Plan shall contribute towards that goal. Tour operators are confident and continue to invest in creating hotel infrastructure and the like. In 2010, there was a 16.1 percent increase in tourist arrivals, the hotel supply has grown to 136 units with an average occupancy rate of 89 percent, and the estimated investment in the sector amounted to the equivalent of over a billion dollars. The Executive approved the guidelines for the creation of three new tourism development centers, which will complement the Tourism Development Centers of Futungo de Belas, namely the Tourism Development Centers of Calandula, Cabo Ledo and the Okavango Basin. In the latter case, Angola is part of an ambitious project to create a pool of cross‑border conservation of wildlife and eco‑tourism involving Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia, called the Okavango‑Zambezi or simply KAZA‑ATFC. The aim is to structure tourism around natural resources, landscape, sun, beach and cultural heritage, also increasing business travel. The aim is to achieve in the next ten years four and a half Two important laws have just been appreciated by the Board of Ministers and sent to the Assembly, the Sponsorship Law and Languages Act, which may contribute decisively to a greater support and dynamics of artistic and cultural activities and to restore the dignity and ethno linguistic identity of various regions of the country. The legal framework of the National Public Libraries Network was also defined, which will allow greater and easier access to key works for knowledge and education, and also the Cultural Centers, which provide a privileged space for socializing and cultural enrichment and sharing of experiences at all levels. We appreciate and consider worthy of recognition the efforts of several artists and all culture producers to enrich the spiritual heritage of the nation. The Executive will approve this effort, also accelerating the completion of the middle and higher art education institutes, to improve the skills of cultural producers. In regards to sport, our policy has been geared to obtain its maximum benefits as a social phenomenon. The investments are linked to the creation of infrastructure conditions, which have given an unquestionable contribution to improving sports and also to improve the quality of life and welfare of populations. The studies for the construction of an Olympic Village, a Training Center and High Performance Center are currently in advanced stages of completing. Fall-Winter 2011 > Imbondeiro > 23 State of the Nation At the same time, the Sports Law has established the general national sport framework, promoting and guiding the organization thereof, and generalizing it to all society, as indispensable to the formation and health of human beings, especially through physical education and school sports. Henceforth we will pay more attention to defining a coherent system of national sport funding and the study and implementation of strategy and action plan for the levels of training in all sports. Also in this area, we salute, in particular, the achievements of the woman’s handball and basketball team and Paralympic athletes, who not only filled our people with joy and pride, but also projected the name of the Angolan nation abroad. President of the National Assembly, Gentlemen, Aware of the risks of major international financial and economic crisis, from 2009, the Executive conducted a Macroeconomic Policy supported by a strong high quality Fiscal Policy, consistent and credible, capable of ensuring an opposite effect to the economic stagnation trend that appeared to be imminent and eventually happened in all developed and developing countries and emerging markets. Our anti‑cyclical policy was guided by a firm determination to avoid a recession without resorting to the growth of debt and money issues, in order not to compromise the fiscal and foreign exchange fundamentals and macroeconomic stability. The Public Investments Program continued to invest on the physical reconstruction, economic and social development of the country, maintaining growth, avoiding recession and continuing the fight against hunger and poverty. 24 > Imbondeiro > Fall-Winter 2011 Data released by the International Monetary Fund last September indicated that Angola was one of the few countries in the world to escape recession in 2009, as its GDP grew 2.4 percent, while the world’s GDP decreased 0.7 percent. In 2010, the trend continued, as the GDP grew 3.4 percent and the Angolan economic environment was characterized by the slow recovery in oil prices and the fiscal effort to further consolidate the pillars of macroeconomic stability. The country’s net international reserves rose in 2010, from the equivalent of 12.6 billion to about 17.5 billion and stood at the end of June of 2011 at 21.4 billion, representing an increase of 23.6 percent since the beginning of the year. The increasing dynamism of the construction, agriculture, industry and services industries showed the increasing participation of non‑oil sector in GDP, with growth of 8.3 percent in 2009 and 7.8 percent in 2010, while the oil sector dropped (respectively ‑5.1 and ‑3.0 per cent) due to the sharp reduction in oil prices in 2009 and reduction of the volume produced in 2010. For 2011 the GDP growth is estimated at around 3.7 percent, lower than expected in the general budget of the initial state, because of reduced oil production by BP, for technical reasons, but that was offset in part by increasing the annual average price of the crude oil barrel and faster growth of the non‑oil sector, due to the decisive effect of the Public Investment Program. Such investments were accompanied by a rise in the level of social sector spending in the State Budget, which rose from 12.7 percent in 2009 to 34.3 percent in 2010, a condition achieved in part thanks to the restructuring of short‑term debt securities carried out in the last two years. Inflation remains a challenge for Angola. After years of sustained decline, the inflation rate rose 6 percent in 2008, reaching 13.7 percent and rose again to 14.7 percent in 2010. It is estimated that in 2011 inflation will stay below the 12 percent projected in the State Budget, since the variation accumulated from January through August this year stands at only 6.86 percent compared to 8.4 percent in same period of 2010. However, the overall public debt remains within the internationally accepted safety factors, both in terms of volume and costs, as well as its maturity profile. The low cost of foreign debt, in conjunction with the recovery of export prices of oil, reflected on the improvement of the balance of the Current Account Balance of Payments, which evolved from a deficit of 7.572 billion in 2009 to a deficit of only 348 million in 2010. No wonder, for all the reasons set forth above, the Angolan nation continues to receive the international community’s recognition of its growing macroeconomic strength, according to reports issued in 2010 by the International Monetary Fund and the three main sovereign debt risk international rating agencies. As a projection, since the fiscal year has not yet finished, the State Budget for 2012 indicates a potential for revenues and expenditures to approximate $ 3.5 trillion kwanza, without a deficit. The projections also indicate a 12% real growth rate of GDP, 13.4 per cent for the oil sector and 12.5 percent for the non‑oil sector, with an inflation rate of around 10 percent. President of the National Assembly, Gentlemen, In 2000, the United Nations upon analyzing the major world problems defined a set of objectives to be State of the Nation achieved by member states by 2015, in order to reduce by half all calculated indexes. Eight objectives were recommended: 1º ‑ E radication of extreme poverty and hunger; 2º ‑ A chievement of universal elementary education; 3º ‑ P romotion of gender equality and empowerment of women; 4º ‑ Reduction of child mortality; 5º ‑ Improvement of maternal health; 6º ‑ F ighting HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases; 7º ‑ E nsuring environmental sustainability; 8º ‑ C reating a global partnership for development. As we could see on the findings noted earlier, when referring to the degree of implementation of Executive programs in various fields of national life, Angola has been addressing all of these concerns, not only with the organization of the basic conditions and the allocation of resources into concrete actions, but also with training and mobilization of the entire society to bring them to fruition. It is important for the Gentlemen to appreciate this data and monitor the work of the Executive, so that you know how the country is meeting its international commitments. President of the National Assembly, Gentlemen, In adopting a political and ideological option for multiparty democracy and social market economy, we chose a political, economic, social and cultural democracy, based on equality and respect for fundamental freedoms and guarantees of citizens. Our goal is to build a market economy that serves Angolans and provides better and improving living conditions. The national economy is still in the design phase, but there is no market economy without entrepreneurs and private owners and we expect Angolan private entrepreneurs, whether large, medium or small, to begin now to take the reins of our economy and the provision of productive services, as the state is reducing its presence there. Wealthy people will, and are in fact, emerging. The state is not against the rich, but it’s important to say that the main concern of the Executive is to fight hunger and poverty with increasing energy in order to reduce it gradually, until complete eradication. The private sector can and should contribute by making more investments to create more good paying jobs, pay taxes and increase national wealth. In this context, I think the country needs laws and regulations with clearer rules for the participation of business leaders, assembly members and other public office holders and any eventual incompatibilities. The Constitution recognizes every citizen’s equal rights and it is important to know how to act when there are conflicts of interest or ethical and moral values, preserving and separating private from state affairs. The country needs everyone’s contribution, with confidence, on the present and future and its institutions. President of the National Assembly, Gentlemen, The youth has a historical tradition of active participation in all noble causes engaged by the Angolan people. It participated in the National Liberation struggle, both the guerrillas and underground. It was the most important and active party in the defense the country against foreign invasions and military‑political destabilization and helped the people to build peace and democracy which makes us so proud today. Our youth has never acted outside of the will of the people. The youth emanates from the people and has always worked for the people. We need to maintain this rich tradition that comes from our ancestors! Today there are some misunderstandings and even misconceptions that need to be clarified. I think they still happen because the dialogue is not sufficient. The Executive must improve social dialogue and listen, hear and discuss more, so that issues are treated in the right times and places, and consensual solutions are found and applied. The executive program for the resolution of Youth issues, whose implementation was suspended, will be adjusted by the Government and its implementation will be periodically evaluated by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, with representatives of the National Youth Council, as done before. The country needs everyone’s contribution. We need the strength, dynamism, creativity and availability of young students, workers, peasants and intellectuals as well as young entrepreneurs or business people. The country relies on the patriotism and public spirit which has always been the attribute of young Angolans. The confusion and misunderstanding has caused situations of violence that caused many misfortunes and suffering to the Angolan people in the recent past. Ultimately, when we understand each other, we realize that the Angolan people’s problems will be solved by reconciliation, peace and that, together we will solve the problems of the Angolan people. President of the National Assembly, Gentlemen, According the normalization of the country’s political life, and terms of the Constitution, a general election Fall-Winter 2011 > Imbondeiro > 25 State of the Nation Having a painful war experience, which still has serious consequences for the lives of our people. Angola advocates dialogue and negotiation principles for reaching peaceful resolution of all differences and disputes that may arise at the international level. This position is increasingly relevant in a world in which any crisis reaches a global dimension, where imposition and the threat of force to resolve internal conflicts or disputes between sovereign countries are again being widely used. for President and Vice‑President of the Republic and National Assembly members will take place in the third quarter of 2012, ending the four‑year parliamentary term resulting from the 2008 legislative elections. I ask of the National Assembly to urgently approve the laws necessary to define the legal guidelines and composition of the National Electoral Commission, as well as the mechanisms of interaction with other relevant institutions of the state, and allow the creation of conditions for well organized, free and transparent elections. The electoral registration process is currently being updated and it is important that every voting age citizen be registered, to fulfill his duty, because only then he can exercise the right to vote and participate in the choice of political representative for the next five years, as defined by the Constitution. Therefore, the efforts of officials and staff of the Defense, Security and Public Order forces are worthy of praise and gratitude, for not only have they preserved peace, protected our borders and enforced the legality of the Constitution of the Republic, but have also participated in social emergency actions, such as mine evacuations and reconstruction of local infrastructure and cooperation missions outside the country. I take this opportunity to emphasize and appeal to the institutional strengthening of solidarity between Parliament, the Government and the Courts, which are, respectively the legislative, executive and judiciary, which are the cornerstones of a democratic rule of law in Social Justice and Peace President of the National Assembly, I extended this appeal to other state agencies, such as the Attorney General’s Office, the Court of Auditors and the Prosecutor’s Office, calling upon them to perform their specific noble tasks speedily, accurately and impartially. Gentlemen, President of the National Assembly, The safety of the Angolan nation, despite the persistence of some threats and low intensity risks, has appeared generally stable and under control, as the proper authorities have proactively ensured the order and public peace, protecting the State institutions. Gentlemen, 26 > Imbondeiro > Fall-Winter 2011 Our foreign policy continues to be guided by objective actions and events leading to the consolidation of the understanding and cooperation among nations and the preservation of peace, stability and international security. We will continue to fulfill our obligations and our responsibilities at the international level, particularly with regard to Africa as a whole and particularly in the context of economic and political groups to which we belong, such as SADC and ECCAS, and also the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries. At a broader level, Angola will also continue to cooperate with the international community in fighting terrorism and criminal networks, money laundering, human being trafficking and psychotropic substances and endemic diseases. As in the past, we will never allow the interference of foreign governments or entities in our internal affairs. We will defend our sovereignty and territorial integrity, our political and economic choices and our identity as a nation, putting the best interests of the Angolan people above all. Angola Will Win! v Diplomatic Activity National Prayer Breakfast • February 3, 2011 Angola participated at the 59ª session of the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington D.C. A n Angolan delegation led by MP Ângela Bragança, President of the Third Committee on Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Angolan Communities Abroad attended the fifty‑ninth session of the National Prayer Breakfast (breakfast prayer), an event that takes place annually on the first Thursday of February in Washington, D.C. Joined the same event Anabela Alberto dos Santos, also a member of the third committee of the National Assembly, responsible by Angolan communities living abroad. This is the third time that an Angolan delegation is invited to participate at the exhibition organized by the Fellowship Foudation, a conservative Christian organization known as “The Family”. Initially called the Presidential Prayer Breakfast, the name was changed in 1970 to National Prayer Breakfast (breakfast prayer), and hosts members of Congress. This year’s event had participants from over 100 countries and included a series of meetings and other events. Attended the event about 3,500 guests including international guests from more than 100 countries. The same is designed to be a forum for political, social and business leaders in the world with the aim of interaction and establish partnerships. “The National Prayer Breakfast (breakfast annual prayer), is considered by families as an instrument with the main purpose of prayer and meeting. The event, whose program included a series of meetings and social activities, happens there is 56 years. President Barack Obama accompanied by his wife was the main speaker of the event where also intervened the astronaut Mark Kelly, husband of Republican Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, a victim of the attack earlier this year in the State of Arizona. Each year, members of Congress join in prayer with many other government personalities, representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in the U.S., leaders from around the country and friends, without regard to their differences in order to strengthen their relationships through their love for God and neighbor. The Fellowship Foundation is an institution that supports a broad international movement that strives to create a common denominator in spite of different religious faiths, political and social divisions emphasizing the message of Jesus Christ, love and marriage. Ângela Bragança, National Assembly MP. President Barack Obama and the First Lady Michelle Obama, heads bowed at the time of prayer that was made by NASA Astronaut Mark Kelly, spouse of Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, who ended the 2011 National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C. Following the program of the visit, the Angolan parliamentary delegation participated in an interactive meeting with the Angolan diaspora living in the metropolitan Washington area, organized by the Embassy of Angola, where they discussed the latest political developments, economic and social changes that occur in the country. Ângela Bragança reported on the operation of the National Assembly, and the main strategies outlined by the Government to citizens who wish to return to the country so that they can meet their basic needs. v Fall-Winter 2011 > Imbondeiro > 27 Diplomatic Activity TAAG acquired two aircraft type 777 ‑ 300ER from Boeing National flag carrier, signed contracts with partners to finance the acquisition of two new aircraft from Boeing Ministry of Finance, National Institute of Civil Aviation (INAVIC) and the National Company Insurance of Angola (ENSA). W ere signed in Washington D.C., on June 10, 2011, at the headquarters of Eximbank financing contracts in the context of the commercial contract, approved on October 5 October, 2009 based in Presidential Decree number 114/11 of June 3, 2011, between TAAG and Boeing for the purchase of two aircraft Boeing 777‑300ER, worth a total of three hundred seventy‑five million, four hundred sixty‑three thousand, six hundred seventy‑eight U.S. dollars and eighty cents ( 375,463,678.80), a long‑term financing in several tranches. To this end, on the on 8th of June, was in Washington D.C., a TAAG delegation led by its CEO, Pimentel Araújo which also included representatives from the EximBank headquarters in Washington, D.C. Signing of financial contracts. 28 > Imbondeiro > Fall-Winter 2011 Pimentel Araújo, TAAG CEO. MPs –National Assembly. TAAG, Angola Airlines‑EP., signed with its partners the financing agreements between the LLC IONA (an institution created to be responsible for the duration of aircraft financing), PFECO, Private Export Corporation (Private Export) U.S. Eximbank, guaranteed by the latter and the Government of the Republic of Angola, in the amount of $ 255,642,208.00 (two hundred and fifty five million, six hundred forty‑two thousand two hundred and eight dollars), and British HSBC Bank, guaranteed by the Government of the Republic Virgílio Fontes Pereira, head of Angolan Parliamentary delegation that visited Washington and witenessd the event next to MP Maria Luísa Veiga, Adelaide Godinho, TAAG Legal Director and Martinho Codo, Diplomat at the Embassy. of Angola, worth U.S. $ 78,348,865.10 (Seventy‑eight million, three hundred forty‑eight thousand, eight hundred sixty‑five dollars and ten cents). Representantives of TAAG and Ministry of Finance. A financing agreement concluded between TAAG and the Union of Angolan Banks led by Banco de Poupança e Crédito (Credit and Savings Bank), involving the African Investment Bank (BAI) and the Bank of International Business, guaranteed by the Angolan Government in the amount of USD 34,463 .049,40 (Thirty‑4463000, forty‑nine dollars and forty cents), was also signed. The Ministry of Finance is the agency of the Government, to whom was delegated the authority to issue, on behalf of Angola, the guarantees to cover the financing contracts. ENSA has the task President of U.S. EximBank. Martinho Codo, Representative of the Embassy of Angola to the USA. Diplomatic Activity Angolan parliamentary delegation, TAAG CEO and Embassy Chargé d’Affairs a.i. of all that related to insurance of such aircraft issues. “TAAG is committed to improving its fleet, according to international standards, thus contributing to the modernization of the company. I am sure that these aircraft will help to reduce the flow of passengers and goods in the country, “said TAAG CEO Pimentel Araújo, after the signing ceremony of financing contracts, adding, referring to the internal structure of aircraft, they were just 12 / 1 class, 56 executive and 225 economic. Representantives of AN, TAAG, Boeing, INAVIC, EximBank, HSBC, PFECO and diplomats. Financial contracts signature ceremony. HSBC Eximbank and President Fred Hoch Berg. At the time, Martinho Codo, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of this diplomatic mission, in his speech said that the ceremony, was a testimony the good relations between the two countries and stressed the commitment of the Angolan government to improve conditions of living in various sectors of society including the transport sector. After the event, TAAG delegation went to Seattle, Washington States, where is located the Boeing headquarters, for the delivery of the first aircraft that left U.S. airspace on June 16, 2011. The second aircraft flew to Angola, on July 7, 2011. v First Aircraft,“Sagrada Esperança” Everest, Seattle, Washington States. June 16, 2011. Representatives of TAAG, ENSA and Ministry of Finance. Witnessed the event the delegation of members of parliament that ended their visit to U.S., staff of the U.S. Department of State, representatives of Boeing and Eximbank, as well as Angolan diplomats. The financing agreements initially were led by TAAG, your CEO Pimentel Araújo, Richard Youtz PFECO, Richard Hodder Second aircraft, “Welwitschia Mirabilis” Everest ‑ Seattle, Washington States. July 7, 2011. Inside Boeing 777‑300ER. Raul Araújo, National Assembly Consultant. Diplomats at the USA Embassy & guests. TAAG Crew. Representatives of the national press in Seattle, Everest Base, Washington States. Preparations for the take‑off of the second aircraft. Fall-Winter 2011 > Imbondeiro > 29 Diplomatic Activity Angolan parliamentary delegation visited the United States of America has the responsibility to prepare the State Budget and present it to Congress; is also the direction of the management of the White House budget. Virgílio de Fontes Pereira, president of the MPLA parliamentary bench. A delegation of the National Assembly headed by Virgílio de Fontes Pereira, president of the MPLA parliamentary bench, visited the U.S. from 6 to 10 June 2011. On the last day of the visit, the Angolan delegation, witnessed the official act of signing of the financial agreement between TAAG‑Angola Airlines‑EP, IONA LLC, Corporation Private Export Fund, the British bank HSBC and the U.S. EximBank, in the context of the commercial contract between the national airline and Boeing for the acquisition of two new aircraft Boeing 777‑300ER. The agenda set for this state visit of five days to Washington, which had as main objective exchange experiences on legislative oversight over the executive, included various meetings with U.S. congressmen and a meeting at the State Department. The Angolan MPs were informed about the operation of the Projections unit of the budget body of the U.S. Congress (CBO), an institution that is mandated to prepare studies and projections on the State Budget presented by the administration. Also in the U.S. Congress, the Angolan parliamentary delegation, held a meeting in the House of Representatives, where was speaker Dubovi Talia, congress staff, from the sub‑committee on appropriations of the State, foreign operations and related programs, and Jim Jukes , Directorate of State Budget (OMB), Associate Director for the legislative division, the organ which 30 > Imbondeiro > Fall-Winter 2011 delegation participated the TAAG delegation in Washington, D.C., its partners, members of the resident Angolan community in the United States, Associate Members of the Chamber and Angolan diplomats. Virgílio de Fontes Pereira, considered the visit successful and stressed that regular exchanges between the National Assembly and the U.S Congress, such visits, have as main objective a better understanding of the American legal system and will reinforce and help the Angolan parliamentary process. With the presents he made a toast for the acquisition by TAAG of two aircraft of type Boeing 777‑300 ER. Members of the Community Association New Angola (Angolan community in Philadelphia, met Mr. Virgílio de Fontes Pereira. Virgílio Fontes Pereira, paid a courtesy visit to Susan Page, Deputy Assistant Secretary for African Affairs of the U.S. Department State in which both parties exchanged views on the current status of the bilateral cooperation between the two countries and increased relations between the two bodies to share experiences on both sides. To conclude, the delegation attended a reception on the premises of the Embassy of Angola to the USA, organized jointly with the U.S.‑Angola Chamber of Commerce, where the Included the Angolan delegation Vitória Izata, chairman of the committee on constitutional and judicial affairs, Tomás da Silva, vice‑president of the Committee for the administration of state and local government, Maria Luísa Veiga, member of the committee for ethics and decorum, both members of the National Assembly as well as Raul Araújo, Consultant of the National Assembly and Lutuima Prata, assistant and senior staff.v Diplomatic Activity President Barack Obama accepted credencials from the New Angolan Ambassador to the U.S. A simple ceremony but of special significance! T Remarks by President Barack Obama Upon the Occasion of the presentation of Ambassador Bento Ribeiro Letter of Credence. he Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Angola to the United States of America, Alberto do Carmo Bento Ribeiro, was received September 9, 2011 in audience at the White House by President Barack Obama, for the U.S. official presentation of his credentials. During the ceremony, the diplomat stressed in his message, the dividends of peace and consolidation of national reconciliation that occurs in our country and the strengthening of democratic institutions towards an improvement in human rights, aimed at reducing poverty, good governance and combating corruption. The Angolan Ambassador to the USA, also noted the progress made in the bilateral cooperation between our two countries, emphasizing the signing of the Memorandum to the Strategic Partnership Dialogue in 2010, as a testimony to the importance of diplomacy and an instrument that is increasingly further strengthen the good relations that already exist. Upon acceptance of the letters that accredit Alberto do Carmo Bento Ribeiro as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Angola in the U.S., Barack Obama, said that the indication of the Angolan diplomat comes at a crucial moment of the bilateral relations between our two countries. “In the last decade, Angola has not only recovered from the devastating civil war, as has also developed an economy that ranks among the largest in the African continent,” he said. The U.S. President also took the opportunity to Mr. Ambassador: Alberto do Carmo Bento Ribeiro, New Ambassador of Angola to the USA, in the White House next to President Barack Obama. congratulate the Angolan Head of State, President José Eduardo dos Santos for the presidency of SADC. The Angolan diplomat presented his figured letters, the 1st of September 2011, at the United States Department of State. Attended the ceremony at the White House, as usual in the U.S. close relatives of Ambassador Bento Ribeiro. v State protocol official vehicle from the U.S. administration on the way to the White House. It is with great pleasure that I accept your Letter of Credence, which establishes you as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Angola, and I acknowledge receipt of the Letter of Recall of your predecessor, Ambassador Josefina Pitra Diakite, who was exceptional in representing Angola in the United States. I would like to extend a very warm welcome to you and your family and I look forward to working closely with you to strengthen the already close relationship between our countries. Your assignment to Washington comes at a pivotal moment in our bilateral relationship. Over the past decade, Angola has not only recovered from a devastating civil war, it has developed an economy that now ranks among the largest in Africa. The United States recognizes Angola’s important leadership role in Africa, and I congratulate President Dos Santos on assuming the chairmanship of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Angola’s presidential and parliamentary elections next year will be another important milestone. Angola is blessed with abundant natural resources, but its people are its greatest resource. The United States believes that democracy is Fall-Winter 2011 > Imbondeiro > 31 Diplomatic Activity of democratic governance. Our hope is that the United States can assist Angola to improve the life of its citizens and fully realize its potential as a peaceful, prosperous, and democratic nation. I look forward to working with you on improving our cooperation on mutual interests and strengthening the bonds of partnership and friendship between our countries. Mr. Ambassador, it gives me great pleasure to welcome you to Washington, D.C. v Ambassador Bento Ribeiro and spouse, Mrs. Maria Odete Ribeiro accompanied by White House Protocol Official. the key to harnessing this wealth and securing a bright, prosperous future for all Angolans. During her first trip to Africa as Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton made an historic visit to Angola. Since then, the United States and Angola have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that formally established a Strategic Partnership Dialogue based on the principles of respect, equality, and mutual benefit. I was pleased to hear that an official U.S. energy delegation was warmly received in Luanda in August, and that they had positive, substantive meetings and conversations with your government. I look forward to further progress as we continue to advance our dialogue. The United States also looks forward to increased trade and investment with Angola. Private U.S. companies are investing heavily in Angola, which is now our third largest trading partner in sub‑Saharan Africa. Our nations continue to make progress on our bilateral Trade and Investment Framework Agreement. We hope to expand our economic engagment beyond your country’s robust petroleum sector. Despite the extraordinary progress made within Angola and in our bilateral relationship, much remains to be done. We look forward to working with Angola as it continues to advance along the path 32 > Imbondeiro > Fall-Winter 2011 Angola USA Ambassador Bento Ribeiro and members of his family before departure to the White House. New Ambassador wants to consolidate relations B ento Ribeiro, the new Ambassador of Angola to the United States was sworn in by President, José Eduardo dos Santos, on June 19, 2011. Speaking at the time to the national press, the diplomat said in Luanda that will do everything for the consolidation of relations between the two countries. He recalled that the United States of America “is the most important Angola economic partner” and given the position that this country plays in today’s world, “it is evident that we must have a very special and privileged relationship.” He pointed out as a priority the strengthening of ties at diplomatic and political levels, as well as as consolidating existing in the economic sphere. v Diplomatic Activity 66ª Annual UN Session World leaders converged to the United Nations in New York last September for the annual session of the General Assembly. 193 member nations, and the southern Sudan newly inaugurated last July, 121 Heads of State and Government participated at the six‑day event. T he assembly began with two days of events for the first time high‑level meeting on the diseases that cumulatively kill three in five people worldwide. It focused on combating cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic lung diseases and diabetes. The UN Secretary General Ban Ki‑moon predisposed to “broker an international commitment that puts non‑communicable diseases on the agenda of development.” The National Transitional Council of Libya, recently recognized by the UN as the legitimate authority in the country, was present in New York and represented by his chairman, Mustafa Jalil. The speeches and debates began with the Brazilian president, Dilma Rousseff. It was the first time that a female leader was the first speaker of the debate. She pulpit. He addressed the regional turmoil of the Middle East, as well as their usual posts pro‑Palestinian and anti‑Israeli. was followed by US President Barack Obama, who made his third appearance at the annual UN meeting. Stood out among the speakers at the first day were the President of France Nicolas Sarkozy, President of Russia Dimitri Medvedev and President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan. A controversial figure of the event in past years, the Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was in the Another major event was marked by the pursuit of Palestinian peacemaking. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas spoke after and proceeded to deliver a letter for the application of his country to the UN Secretary‑General. The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also presented his speech. However, a pro‑Palestinian protest occurred outside the UN headquarters on the same day. Several ministerial meetings and conferences took place outside of the General Assembly, focusing on themes such as Somalia, counterterrorism, nuclear safety and Afghanistan. v Minister of Foreign Affairs led the Angolan delegation at the United Nations General Assembly Mr. President, Secretary‑General, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen, Georges Rebelo Chicoti, Minister of External Affairs intervening at UN. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Your Excellency for your election to preside over the work of this 66th Session of UN General Assembly and to assure you of the support and cooperation of the Angolan delegation for the success of the work of this session. I also want to express our gratitude to your predecessor, Ambassador Joseph Deiss, for the competent and impartial manner in which he conducted the proceedings of the 65th session. May I also congratulate the Secretary‑General for his re‑election and assure him of the support of my Government for the success of his much complex and demanding mission in the service of peace and cooperation Alberto do Carmo Bento Ribeiro, Ambassador of Angola to the USA. Fall-Winter 2011 > Imbondeiro > 33 Diplomatic Activity 66ª Annual UN Session among nations, a cornerstone of the mandate embodied in the Charter of our Organization. We congratulate the Republic of South Sudan for its admission as a member of the United Nations. We wish South Sudan a future of peace and prosperity and guarantee the availability of the Government of Angola to cooperate with this new State’s effort to consolidate its independence and its socio‑economic development. We are also pleased with the creation of UN‑Women, and we are certain that it will give further impetus to the promotion and empowerment of women and the achievement of their legitimate rights. Mr. President, This session of the General Assembly takes place at a particularly complex moment in the international arena, characterized by so many crises that I believe it not be an exaggeration to say that they challenge the very foundations of our international organization. Thus, if I list them, though not exhaustively, I can cite the current economic and financial crisis, which triggered the most serious social crisis witnessed by our generation; a dangerous environmental crisis of unpredictable consequences for the future of humanity and that will be irreversible unless the international community as a whole applies immediate and courageous measures; a general escalation of violence and the outbreak of conflict, which combined with the environmental crisis, has caused the most serious humanitarian crisis that humanity has witnessed since the end the 2nd World War. In conclusion, we live in a dangerous situation where a combination of factors endangers the stability, peace and security in the world. 34 > Imbondeiro > Fall-Winter 2011 (cont.) The diagnosis of the present international situation made by the majority of the speakers who preceded me and that we share constitutes a call to our collective responsibility. A particularly disturbing factor is the current economic and financial crisis that has affected virtually every country in the world and spilled more heavily in developing countries, with serious consequences for political stability and social cohesion in these countries. Therefore, it is urgent to find solutions to these problems, which will require the strengthening of international cooperation on a basis of greater justice and equality. Moreover, it is urgent to take measures aimed at deepening economic reforms within States that promote economic growth and social development. Heavily affected by this international economic and financial crisis, Angola has adopted a set of measures to mitigate its most adverse effects, and without prejudice to the maintenance of macroeconomic balances, has focused considerable resources in the fight against poverty and social development. Mr. President, The Theme of this General Assembly session – “The role of mediation in peaceful conflict resolution” ‑ reveals the deep concern of the international community with the need for an integrated approach in resolving conflicts that affect international society. That is what makes it necessary to implement mediation efforts after conflicts have started. Conflict prevention should be the key element in the management of any areas of tension. Respect for fundamental rights and freedoms, the rule of law, and good governance bodies are basic needs for any human society to live in peace and harmony, and are the main guarantee of effective conflict prevention. There are other elements I would like to mention that are an important cause of the spread of conflicts: I am referring to external interference, done in gross violation of international law, and which most of the time obstructs efforts at mediation and peaceful resolution, and prevents solutions to these conflicts. Angola paid a very high price as a result of such interference that for too long a time fed a fratricidal conflict that Angolans finally settled and wisely overcame with magnanimity, fairness and inclusion under of the auspices of the leadership of H.E. José Eduardo dos Santos. The role of Angola and its contribution to internal and regional peace should be seen in the broader context of conflict resolution by allowing the implementation of Security Council emblematic resolution 435 of 1978, which led to the independence of Namibia and created the conditions for a peaceful coexistence in a region that endured extreme hostility and constituted a permanent threat to world peace. Instilled with a spirit of fraternity, the government of Angola has spared no efforts to pursue its policy of effective reconciliation, which has allowed the inclusion of all its children previously in conflict. That was a true investment in peace, a decisive factor in the process of post‑conflict reconstruction. Angola has served as a reference point for the resolution of some conflicts on the African continent, and has spared no effort in sharing its experience with other peoples and countries. Also in the context of conflict resolution, it is important to strengthen the role of multilateralism following the logic of a new thought of responsibility and shared benefits, based on the recognition of Diplomatic Activity the legitimate interests of all parties, on consultation and dialogue and in the search for workable solutions to issues of international peace and security. It is thus inevitable to refer to the instruments of cooperation between the Security Council and the African Union, and to the role of the United Nations and the regional institutions in preventing and resolving conflicts, and it is of crucial importance to strengthen the action of regional organizations in the management of stressful situations that may constitute threats to peace and security. In this connection, the Security Council has the primary role in the prevention and resolution of conflicts, and in the maintenance of peace in accordance with the powers conferred upon it by the Charter of the United Nations. The central theme of our debate also calls for the need to reform the Security Council, and to the imperative of a fair representation of all regions and the expansion of its permanent members, thus adapting the Security Council to the contemporary reality. Mr. President, At the regional level and in the implementation of a policy of peaceful cooperation, Angola is a member of SADC, ECCAS (Economic Community of Central African Countries), the Commission of the Gulf of Guinea and the CPLP (Community of Portuguese Language Countries), which with several partners, has acted on the basis of preventive diplomacy and the search for peaceful solutions to the different crises that have arisen. Regarding the constitutional crisis in Madagascar, SADC (Southern Africa Development Community) has mediated the recent signing by all parties involved of the roadmap for the implementation of the reconciliation process, which should lead to elections and the restoration of constitutional normality, and has constituted an important breakthrough in the process—one which Angola welcomes. The Brotherly country of Guinea‑Bissau, our partner in the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries, has been the subject of special attention from Angola. As part of the CPLP, Angola and other member states have strived to establish a strategic partnership with ECOWAS, under the coordination of the United Nations, aiming to bring political stability to the country so that it can carry out major structural reforms, in particular the reform of the defense and security sector. We welcome the positive developments that the country now lives, and encourage the authorities of Guinea‑Bissau to pursue vigorously the process of stabilizing the country. The drought in the Horn of Africa is a reason of deep concern to my country and the entire international community. In Somalia, the consequences of drought are felt even more due to the prevalence of armed conflict, which worsens its humanitarian crisis, shocks the universal conscience and calls for a redoubled effort by the international community. Angola joins the international humanitarian assistance efforts and the search for political solutions to end the armed conflict, and to open new prospects for a better future for the Somali people. Concerning the situation in Libya, the Angolan government hopes that the Libyan people can find stability in the very short term, which can only be achieved through the free exercise of their democratic rights; in this context, Angola urges the National Transitional Council to promote genuine national reconciliation and to form an inclusive government, as those are prerequisites for Libya to regain its rightful place in the African and International arena. However, we should make use of lessons learned with a view to a more effective cooperation between external partners and the African Union in seeking joint solutions based on international law and mutual respect. Angola remains concerned by the weak progress in addressing the problem of Western Sahara, which remains an important issue on the international agenda. We call on the warring parties to resume negotiations under the auspices of the United Nations and the African Union, so that the people of Western Sahara can exercise their right to self‑determination. The situation in the Middle East, particularly in the Palestinian territories, is one of the most serious problems facing the international community. Angola sees with great concern the escalation of the conflict and the lack of progress towards a solution of the Palestinian question, and, in line with the general position of the international community regarding the conflict, advocates the creation of an independent Palestinian State, living side by side with the State of Israel, in peace and security, within secure internationally recognized borders. Mr. President, This 66th session of UN General Assembly, in similarity to what happened in previous sessions, will address the embargo imposed on Cuba, which violates the rules of free trade. In spite of the timid steps taken to normalize the situation, Angola reiterates its position of principle by reaffirming the need to end the economic, financial and commercial embargo against Cuba. Mr. President, Angola has been giving its contribution in finding solutions to the most pressing problems, and within the broader international community, we have sought to cooperate with all countries based on mutual interest, and on upholding the highest ideals of peace and cooperation for development. We will continue this path, convinced that the defense and promotion of these principles contribute to the development and advancement of all peoples. Thank you. v Fall-Winter 2011 > Imbondeiro > 35 National Reconstruction New Kilamba Kiaxi City will have 20.000 homes until 2012 Located about 20 km from downtown Luanda to the countryside, the city of New Kilamba Kiaxi continues to increase. This project involves: • 5200 hectares of intervention. • 80.000 dwellings. • 429 kms of streets. • S ocial facilities to the scale of the enterprise. The first phase of this project was inaugurated by the President of the Republic, José Eduardo dos Santos last July 2011 in Luanda. Started selling apartments at Kilamba City T he first three thousand and 180 apartments at the Kilamba City, in Luanda, were offered for sale, last October, after completion of the enrollment phase of the interested parties, which began in August this year. According to a statement from Sonip ‑ Sonangol Real Estate and Properties, the company that managing the property for further details, candidates should contact the ranks of Delta Real Estate, which is responsible for the marketing of the villas, located at Rua Raínha Ginga No. 6 ‑ Mutamba, and Kilamba city. Are three thousand and 180 apartments, types T3, T3B, T3C, all with three bedrooms, and T5, with five bedrooms. President of the Republic innaugurated the first phase of the new centrality of Kilamba The Sonip informed that are also for sale 35.000.536 new apartments under construction, at centrality of Kilamba (16,822), Cacuaco / Dande (10,002), Zango (2464), Kilometer 44 (2,248) and Capari township (4,000 ). The communiqué added that no new application is required for the additional supply of 35. 000.536 apartments, so those interested will have the option to choose in which location they want to buy their home. The pricing of housing, according to the note, is the final price that each customer must pay, including fees and taxes. he new city of Kilamba, whose overall project includes 710 buildings, 24 kindergartens, eight primary schools and nine secondary and 50 kilometers 36 > Imbondeiro > Fall-Winter 2011 of roads, is a link of transition to the new metropolis of Luanda, which will be located along the river Kwanza . The project is scheduled for completion in October 2012. Until then, the contractor must deliver over 595 buildings, which account for 16,822 apartments T3 A, B, C and T5. The houses T3 A and B are 110 square meters, T3 and T5 C have 120 150 square meters. v National Reconstruction The train back to referee The Benguela railway back to work after 18 years A Train of Hope! Thousands of people greeted the train, a giant, majestic, half across town, whistling, as if to announce a new era, a new life. History CFB: 1 ,301 km of line with more than 100 years of history The Benguela Railway is the only rail link from Central Africa to the Atlantic. Its construction, originating from a Law of August 1899, which entered into force March 1, 1903 has been completed on February 2, 1929. The June 10, 1931 reached the port of Lobito the first shipment of copper from Katanga. T he Angolan Transport Minister Augusto da Silva Tomás, considered “historic” the inauguration of the Benguela railway, (CFB), after 18 years of interruption, with rehabilitation of infrastructure estimated at around 1.4 billion euros, speaking at the opening ceremony of the CFB, which marked the entry into operation of section Benguela‑Huambo in 1343 of 350 miles long, encompassing, and Benguela, Huambo, Bié and Moxico, to the border with Zambia. The rehabilitation of Benguela Raiways involved the total renovation and modernization of the road, rehabilitation of bridges, building stations, new communications systems, the renovation of rolling stock, including locomotives, carriages and wagons, and new workshops for new vocational training centers. And Huambo corresponded with nods and smiles. The dances also were not lacking, which was nonetheless remarkable when one realizes that the train reached the city shortly after six o’clock in the morning. of men were made metal‑mechanical technicians. All the town grew, the industry grew, tons of food were transported, especially cereals. And the news and the sea breeze arrived at Luau; there where tons and tons of ore, and also wax and honey. ‑ Waited a long time ‑ An expression that was very audible. Children and adults responded and must disclose in their faces the undoing of a knot that choked their breath, as if they had recovered identity. And Huambo is only Huambo with the train. Thousands of stories of love resulted from the existence of the train, thousands of courses have been studied as a friend taking the train for short distances, and thousands The President of the Republic of Angola, José Eduardo dos Santos, accompanied by the First Lady, Ana Paula dos Santos and the Governor of Huambo Province, Faustino Muteka, was greeted by the traditional dance group and the local population, at the airport Albano Machado, 30 August 2011. The train was once the largest employer in Huambo, also the largest contributor.The train is in memory of the people of Huambo as a source of smiles and happiness. Front view of the train that connects the Huambo Province to Benguela, inaugurated by the President of Angola José Eduardo dos Santos, August 30, 2011. Thousands still remember the trips in recoveros, camacove, or suitcase. From the slower to the faster and more comfortable. They all make the big screen for the endless parade of Fall-Winter 2011 > Imbondeiro > 37 National Reconstruction The train back to referee (cont.) This time the approach was not to sell strawberries, mangoes, loengos, or oranges. It was to see firsthand the new cars and ask what it will be the cost to move to the coast or east when extended the alignment of the cars. Nothing, for now there is no price, this is a special train. It is the reopening of the Benguela Railway at the highlands. Front view of the Railway Station at Huambo Province, inaugurated by the President of the Republic of Angola José Eduardo dos Santos on August 30. landscapes and beauty of extension, which after all is the image of Angola. More and cheaper products will arrive at Huambo. It’s what people expect to rebuild houses and factories, to put the machines to work. Along the way, in each locality, the people went out and ran, as if escorting this convoy again, which has the colors of the flag of the Republic of Angola. 38 > Imbondeiro > Fall-Winter 2011 The train, arriving at the central station in Huambo city brought the President, sign of the great importance of the achievement. The people applauded. It was the return of a part of their pride, their soul. Minister of Transportation, Augusto da Silva Tomás. But the unrestrained joy had more reasons: the return of the train also marks an important moment in the national reconciliation. Joy was for silence the pain of memories of times of anger and hatred. Many died in the line; many have died trying to keep it. The CFB, the route, was the center of disputes that were recorded in the marks still visible along the route. History ‑ Memories “The influence of Angola in the U.S. culture” By: Laurinda Santos For any Angolan citizen who comes to this part of the world (USA), hear that there are institutions with the name of our country may at a first glance be a source of great amazement! B ut thinking a little and back in time, many, many years ago at the time of slavery, immediately says, is possible, indeed, because of the many slaves departed to various parts of the world from our continent. And then when investigating, talking to people, some of whom know nothing about Africa, you realize that the link exists and that we dates back many centuries ago. Immediately meets the eye and beeing so far, when in a CNN news service or other famous TV/radio channels, we hear the name “Angola”. And the desire to learn more grows within us. of Luanda, with the African American ladies I met.The English seemed a sort of Creole mixed to Kimbundo. The clothes some older women were using made me immediately remember our country, despite not having anything to do, especially the architectural structure of the village. I talked to some people who only knew they are descendants of Africa, but are not quite sure of the origin of their ancestors. Then I felt that I should say something about our country, Angola, a name overstated in the small town. One of the trips I made as part of my work took me to a small town that reminded me Lubango (my home town); my destination was Scranton, the home of Jo Biden, the U.S. vice‑president. I was in the state of Pensylvannia, about two and a half hours drive from Washington, and it was a surprise for me when I came across a road sign to mark the name of a village “MUANGOLA”, at the Luzerne County in Pennsylvania. I was very excited, but my destination was the small town of Scranton and had to arrive on time. I retained the information, until I returned without being on a mission and then established contacts with the inhabitants, amaizing! The smell of green, it was spring, a beautiful lake and a waterfall, in the air something that was familiar, a perfect symbiosis of Bessanganas from the island But I did not stop there, in this society of a great cultural diversity, in a developing with world where everything revolves every day at an impressive rate, and woe to anyone who does not keep pace. When I visited the Jamestown museum, in the State of Virginia, a stop for many tourists, I came across a picture of our Queen N’Ginga. Then I was told that the first slaves arrived from Africa to America, settled in Virginia and were from Angola, having embarked on the island of Luanda. From Africa to Virginia Reading about Jamestown Settlement (Jamestown colonization) I learned more about the first Africans who arrived at Virginia at the 17th century, from the regions of Congo and Angola. They were part of a large system established by the Portuguese in Africa to capture and deliver slaves to the Spanish colonies of Central and South America in the Caribbean, the ships, after attacks perpetrated by the Portuguese slaves were brought to Virginia and then sold. Photo: Queen NGinga Mbandi –Angola Jamestown museum The status of these African servants or slaves in Virginia is unknown; its mission was to work in tobacco fields, side by side with the English. After the war, in 1622, the British fought against the Powhatan Indians; however, British officials were less willing to immigrate to Virginia. In the 1630s the Dutch took control of the African slave trade of Portugal, who kept it for many years. The Dutch built and fortified trading posts or assumed that the Portuguese had established along the coast of West Africa, for trade in gold and ivory. The museum’s permanent gallery is a special guide that highlights the culture of the first Africans known in Virginia, was actually from the kingdom of Ndongo in Angola. The dramatic multimedia gallery, “From Africa to Virginia” from the stories about encounters between Africans and Europeans; the impact on African culture to the development of the transatlantic slave trade. >>> Fall-Winter 2011 > Imbondeiro > 39 History ‑ Memories >>> In areas outdoor living history museum, I learned a little about the technology used by Africans in Angola and their skills in fishing and metallurgy, which Angolan slaves brought to Virginia in the 17th century. For a best finding the best advice is a good search of the online resources of the Jamestown‑Yorktown Foundation. In my reading, eager to learn and know more about it, I found an annual cultural activity celebrated by African Americans here in the U.S., called Kwanzaa, (with one more a at the end of the word), but then I thought about the longest river of our country and our national currency. And what is it? Kwanzaa (Quanser) is a holiday celebrated by many African Americans. The festival is held from December 26th to January 1st. It was started in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, Professor of California State University, Long Beach, State of California and activist. The family celebration is Christmas (celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ), and the most famous New Year’s Eve, but for thousands of black families in the United States, the most anticipated day is December 26, when take the dust of a great chandelier and put three green candles to the left, three red and one black to the right in the center. I thought and tried to find some analogy with our cultural events, but honestly nothing came to my mind. What does our history in this regard? Nothing I couldn’t find ... every morning of December 26th to January 1st of each year in these parts, even today some African American families, strictly adhere to the ritual, one of them light the candles, which represent the seven principles of Kwanzaa. The tradition, whose name means “first fruits” in Swahili, attempts to revive more than 40 years the feeling of the black community in the United States around their roots and culture of Africa. Of course the rodeo is the main attraction in a way that distracts the angry animals (seven segments in the show) and there are many assistants with their cowboy hats. I asked myself why the name of my country, Angola, for a chain? It was not hard to see because everything is related and dates are from the time of slavery. The name of what is now one of the high security prisons in the United States due to the fact that the slave plantations of the time came from Angola. “Although a sad past memory, visit the monument, leads us to understand the suffering of many Angolans, who passed very painful experiences, which is evident through the traces left.” Today, here outside, looks like a beautiful park, ideal for walks on Imbondeiro > Fall-Winter 2011 T‑shirts like the one on the photo, are used by prisoners during rodeos, as shown in the photo below, which are active, displaying them, some striped, finally ... the event is known as “the most violent show South of the Country”. Continuing, I will name string Angola, which was often mentioned by the press for two weekends due to the floods at the Mississippi River, State of Louisiana. In this place live all kinds of criminals, and once, the story goes that neither the missionaries wanted to visit it because it was one of the worst and most brutal prisons in these parts, at the time of slavery. 40 > weekends, complete with rodeos and everything! For those visiting the place for the first time, the scene looks like a normal Monday, with some hawkers set up their stalls and the smell of fried ... will be spreading. They say here, that what made the difference in the behavior of criminals, due to the current prison director, who taught moral, gave dignity, respect, bringing the opportunity for everyone to consider human beings again. Anyway ... it was worth because it always increases the knowledge and better understanding of the history. Interesting! In the constant search of their identity, today many African Americans here in the U.S., already have the possibility to do DNA testing to determine its true origin (for example trace the roots to find their origins), which makes any human being... feel he is “somebody”!!! v Memories Washington, D.C. June 2, 2011 Society Miss Universe 2011 is ANGOLAN! One of the promises of Leila Lopes Vieira as Miss Universe is to raise up the name and image of Angola in all places, “I intend to show all the good that our country has.” Miss Angola 2011 Miss Universe 2011 Leila Lopes Full Name: Leila Luliana da Costa Vieira Lopes Birth Date: February 26, 1986 (25 years) Place of Birth: Benguela, Angola Nacionality: angolana Height: 1,79 m Hair Color: Black Eye Color: Dark brown Main titles: Miss Angola 2011 Miss Universe 2011 L eila Lopes, Angolan 25 years old was crowned Miss Universe 2011, last September a ceremony held in São Paulo, Brazil. The September 12, 2011, Leila was named Miss Universe 2011 in São Paulo, Brazil, receiving the crown and the band of Mexican Ximena Navarrete, winner of Miss Universe 2010. “Leila Lope’s victory belongs to all Angolan women” ‑ Ana Paula dos Santos Leila Lopes, competed as one of 21 finalists in the beauty contest in Angola where she won the award for Miss Photogenic title and Miss Angola 2011, in December 18, 2010. Born in Benguela province, Leila is a student of Business Management in England. Only black among the finalists, Leila drew attention for being the only hair caught during the ceremony and also for her simplicity. Miss Universe 2011 edition of the 60th anniversary year of the Miss Universe pageant was held on September 12, 2011 at Credicard Hall in São Paulo, Brazil. Ximena Navarrete, Miss Universe 2010 in Mexico, crowned her successor Leila Lopes from Angola. The First Lady of Angola and godmother of the Miss Angola Committee, Ana Paula dos Santos, welcomed Leila Lopes by the title of Miss Universe 2011 and said the victory is for all Angolan women. “Leila is our Queen and all Angolan women are feeling as Miss Universe. It’s a great honor being in a competition with eighty women from eighty countries with different manners, habits and religions and we, Angola, won the Miss Universe crown, “said Ana Paula dos Santos” to the Angolan press. The First Lady hopes the award will serve to enhance Angolan women. Ana Paula dos Santos praised the Miss Angola. An elegant profile. “The contest is to take seriously. Dream is possible. “Leila got it”, added Ana Paula dos Santos. Fall-Winter 2011 > Imbondeiro > 41 Society Miss Universe 2011 is ANGOLAN! (cont.) At the time she expressed satisfaction on her election and thanked the sponsors who made possible the social work developed in the country while Miss Angola, which somehow contributed to her victory. Followed the march by several arteries of the city limiting access to traffic to some avenues that culminated at the Convention Talatona Center The Return of the Miss to the Country (Photo: REUTERS / Paulo Whitaker) It was 03:00 a.m., Thursday, October 27, 2011, when Leila Miss Universe landed at International Airport “4 de Fevereiro” to fulfill a three‑day visit as part of a program organized by the Committees Miss Angola and Miss Universe respectively. Luanda, Angola’s capital city stopped to see the Miss, Leila Lopes. The Official program of the reception began at 09am, with the delivery of gifts in the VIP lounge of the airport in Luanda, and presentation of messages from committees Miss Angola and Miss Universe, civil society, national spontaneous movement and the Government of Luanda. At 10:00 a.m., the Miss left the airport for the deserved tribute of the people. Contagious smile, sweet and self‑confident, characteristics that raise her, spread to the crowd that waved and sang welcome to the Miss. President José Eduardo dos Santos accompanied by the First Lady, Ana Paula dos Santos. 42 > Imbondeiro > Fall-Winter 2011 Leila Lopes, elegant in evening dress. (Photo: Fabio Setimio / Fotoarena) Society Leila Vieira Lopes took the opportunity to thank all the affection of the Angolan people. “The Angolan people doesn’t stop surprising me. I was not expecting this warm reception. I am proud of all. I will take these memories with me”. Miss Universe skoke of her experience at the competition, where she had to compete with other 89 candidates, recognizing the value of each of them . “All fighting for the same purpose, but we made the most of it, “she said. President of the Republic at the Gala The program ended with a farewell dinner in a restaurant at the island of Luanda, attended by several guests, brightened with a gala performance of singers Celso Mambo and Gourgel Kizu. Leila, is living temporarly in New York, United States during her tenure as Miss Universe 2011, being one of the prizes of the contest in which she was elected. v During the event at the Clube das Palmeiras, in her honor, Miss Universe offered to the President of the Republic, José Eduardo dos Santos, a crystal piece. The dinner was attended by members of Government, MPs, and guests. LUANDA VIBRATED! Fans, friends and family at the various routes in the city’s first contact with Miss Universe 2011, after a deserved victory. The Angolan beauty paraded through the streets on the top of an allegorical car for satisfaction of the population. Visibly moved by the warm reception, Leila nodded and thanked the reception in every avenue. At the ceremony, Leila Lopes, recognized the President of the Republic efforts for the development of the country and appreciation of Angolan woman. Promoted by Miss Angola committee, Ana Paula dos Santos, during the gala, Speaking to the press, the Miss was keen to stress that “she did not expect such reception.” The Angolan people continues to surprise me, “and added that in Brazil, USA / New York, Indonesia and Singapore, countries she visited as Miss Universe was very well received” but nothing compared to the reception in Angola, her birthplace. It was a pleasant surprise.” The official program of the Miss Universe 2011 also included a guided tour to Hospital Esperança in the premises of hostital Américo Boavida, whose purpose wass the care of people with AIDS and to the facilities of the Angolan Public Television (TPA). Fall-Winter 2011 > Imbondeiro > 43 Society Miss Universe 2011 is ANGOLAN! (cont.) OMA prepared reception for Miss Universe 2011 “Women in Luanda, on behalf of all female Cabinda to Cunene, attended the reception of Miss Universe 2011,” said Alice Dombolo, deputy secretary general of the Organization of Angolan Women (OMA). when they appear, brighten and increase the pride of all Angolans and OMA and all the women of the country will give every support to Leila Lopes in her program to fight poverty and HIV in the African continent”, said in September. For her, Angola has a great joy to snatch the world title of beauty, thanks to the efforts of Miss Angola Committee. “These good things On the other hand, the National Assembly deputy, Ana Maria de Oliveira, was pleased by the election of Miss Universe 2011 young Leila Lopes, highlighting the fact that she represented with dignity, intelligence and beauty, the Angolan woman. According to the deputy, Angolan women represented in parliament, have addressed the framework of this class in decision‑making, its growth, its training and monitoring the performance of gender. This election, she said, is one more reason to continue working for the advancement of women. UN Goodwill Ambassador During the press conference she addressed the issue of the invitation by the UN to be this year a goodwill ambassador for the arid regions of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification. “I liked the proposal, I felt much honored but nothing is definitive, because at this time I am a member of the Miss Universe Committee and I need their approval,” she said. The invitation made during a meeting between the Permanent Mission of Angola to the United Nations in New York, the Executive 44 > Imbondeiro > Fall-Winter 2011 Secretariat of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the Miss Universe Committee, predicts that Leila Lopes will develop programs that contribute to the awareness of the international community towards a greater understanding of the problem and development of policies for sustainable land management. Since the prevention and regression of desertification and mitigating the effects of drought are crucial to the reduction of drought and improving environmental sustainability in arid regions. Died André Mingas An Angolan music icon support of the arts! André Mingas, architect training, stood out more as a musician . H is first album, “Coisas da Vida” was launched 30 years ago, and continues to be one of the references of the Angolan music, mixing local rhythms with jazz and rock. The musician and composer André Mingas died in São Paulo, Brazil, due to a prolonged illness. The former Minister of Culture of Angola was 61 years old. It was one of the artists of the golden generation ofmusic in our country, along with Teta Lágrimas, FilipeMukenga or Waldemar Bastos. He devoted most of his life to politics, having been deputy minister of Culture of Angola.He was also advisor of President of the Republic of Angola for local and regional matters. When at the Angolan Ministryof Culture, he created the Society of Angolan authors, named Sadia, whichstill exists today. “Esperança, Mufere e Tchipalepa” are titlesof some of his most famous songs, which were immortalized by the voice of his brother Rui Mingas. André Mingas had been appointed Angolan Consulin São Paulo, where he lived until his death. He was part of the process of the 50 involved in the struggle for Angola’s independence, having been arrested by PIDE in March 28, 1959. It is recalled that André Rodrigues Mingas Júnior “André Mingas”, was an architect by profession, graduated at Agostinho Neto University and the Technical University of Lisbon. He wasMaster of Architecture housing and exercised university teaching in Portugal. He was the person, whom the Chief of the Executive, 5 years ago, entrusted the mission to rethink the design and modernization of Luanda, the capital to make the city capital the country a more contemporary city. v Press Archive Promoting the Image of the Country ANGOLA highlighted in the American press A 16 pages supplement, with a report on Angola, entitled “Angola Unlimetd Potential Bountiful Resources” was published on February 28, 2011, at the edition of the American daily newspaper USA TODAY. The report, produced by a team of the communication agency United World‑usa in collaboration with the press office of the Embassy of Angola to the United States of America, had as main objective to promote a positive image of the Republic of Angola in U.S. society. About the New Angola in peacetime, the challenges of the Angolan government for the prosperity of the country towards a sustainable development, the state of relations between the two states, the supplement referred the growth of the Angolan economy, showing what a post‑conflict country can achieved with the commitment of its Government and the personal commitment of all citizens. The U.S. society has improved its understanding of some of the projects being implemented in our country, particularly in agriculture, construction, transportation, housing, oil and mines as well as others. The United World is an international media agency, which has an exclusive agreement with the U.S. daily newspaper, USA TODAY, recognized as leader in the production of reports on the state of the economy of various countries and regions worldwide, disseminating credible and updated information for a sophisticated American audience, including the administration, congress, senate, academics, non‑governmental organizations and Think Thanks, as well as the society in general, with the aim of improving knowledge and understanding of the world. The daily newspaper USA Today, published by the Gannett Company competes with The Wall Street Journal to have the largest circulation of any other newspaper at the United States of America, which once had in 2003. With a circulation of 1.8 million copies since March 2010, the journal continues to be the most widely print newspaper circulating in the United States, now distributed in all fifty States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Guam and the United Kingdom. The newspaper has its headquarters in Tysons Corner, without legal personality in Fairfax County, Virginia. The USA TODAY is sold at news stands, occasion and grossery stores, gas stations, priced at $ 1.25 dollars, however, its distribution is free at hotels and airports for their clients. The report may be accessed through the Internet link: REPUBLIC OF ANGOLA COUNTRY PROFILE •F ull name: Republic of Angola •P opulation: 18.5 million (source: UN, 2009) • Capital: Luanda • Area: 1.25m km2 (481,354 sq. miles) •M ajor languages: Portuguese (official), Kimbundu, Umbundu, Kikongo, Cokwe, Fiot, Nganguela • Religion: Christian •L ife expectancy: 47 years of age (men) 49 years (women) (source: Reuters) •C urrency: 1 kwanza = 100 lwei •M ain exports: Oil, diamonds, minerals, fish and wood •G DP per capita: $ 8.200 (2010 est.). • Internet domain: ao • International Code: +244 www.unitedworld‑usa.com/reports/angola2011/ Fall-Winter 2011 > Imbondeiro > 45 Press Archive Knowledge an important step in life! UN Day celebrated at ONENESS‑FAMILY SCHOOL in Maryland This event is part of the initial vision of Andrew Kutt, for the school. In 1988 the great desire of Andrew Kutt, founder of the school, became a reality. Celebrate the potential unity and harmony among all nations. Fidel Casimiro, an Angolan diplomat, graduated at the U.S. Atlantic International University ‑ AIU. D iplomat in mission at the Embassy of Angola in Ghana, our happy colleague, passed through Washington, D.C. on his way for his graduation and the conversation rolled. The main topic of his PHD thesis in International Relations specializing in diplomacy, was “The Foreign Angolan Policy and its influence on socioeconomic development in the 21st century.” Casimiro Castro, was a graduate of the Atlantic International University, located in Honolulu, state of Hawai, United States of America. “It was not easy to reconcile my professional activities with the studies, but I am sure that all my effort is an asset to our country”, said.” v Graduation moments. 46 > Imbondeiro > Fall-Winter 2011 Flags of the countries present hosted by diplomats invited to the event. T his event is part of the initial vision of Andrew Kutt, for the school. In 1988 the great desire of Andrew Kutt, founder of the school, became a reality. Celebrate the potential unity and harmony among all nations. The intention was to sow the vision in the hearts of children attending the school and also extend it to the world family, joining representatives of the Diplomatic Corps in the U.S. (Ambassadors or their representatives), students and their families. The seed of unity and global peace was launched and every year the school ONENESS‑FAMILY celebrates this activity, cultivating the spirit of the need for unity, harmony and peace among peoples around the world despite their differences, with the hope that the students (primary and secondary) can grow and disseminate the message worldwide. The ONENESS‑FAMILY SCHOOL is a private school, whose curriculum includes the teaching learning of different subjects, including the disciplines of Geography and History, the study of other continents such as Africa, as well as other languages than English (French, Italian, Spanish, German and Chinese). It was indeed a day of interaction between the representatives of the U.S. Diplomatic Corps with students and their families, where each one had the opportunity to share information from their country and visitors enjoy the projects made by students in various levels of education. Children dressed in African clothes, toasted the guests with several songs, some of them in Swaili, Zulu and Yoruba, was reciting poems, and the school band played African rhythms. The Embassy of Angola to the US attended the ceremony. Oddly enough, this year, and the fact that the Angolan candidate had won the Miss Universe 2011, students paying close attention to the flag of Angola, wanted to know a little bit of everything about our country (where is located on the African continent, how the Angolan people live, which is the official language, the name of the President of the country, its natural beauty, how are the Angolan children?...) It was a very interesting morning and a great opportunity to speak of our country in the U.S. Children assimilate very fast and we are certain that what they learned will reach their parents/ guardians, older siblings, friends, neighbors, ... A commendable initiative to cherish! v Press Archive U.S. Partners bade farewell to outgoing Ambassador of Angola The Chamber of Commerce US‑Angola and the american oil companies, Chevron and ExxonMobil, with the sponsorship of several American institutions such as the Africa Society, Constituency for Africa and Think Thanks, organized the evening of August 10, 2011 in one of the most prestigious hotels in Washington, D.C. a farewell ceremony to honor the outgoing Ambassador of Angola to the United States, Josefina Pitra Diakite. A ttending the event were representatives of the Bureau of Africa of the Department of State, members of Congress, the Diplomatic Corps accredited in the U.S. as well as friends, family, diplomats and representatives of the Angolan community resident in the United States of America. On the occasion, Josefina Pitra Diakite, presented her thanks to the organizers of the event, extending them to Susan Page, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, as well as all employees of the Africa Bureau, at the State Department for all the support provided during her mission, predicting that the same host and collaboration were provided to her successor. “I take this opportunity to extend my gratitude to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for her leadership, professionalism and personal commitment to strengthening relations between our two countries,” said the Angolan diplomat at the time. Josefina Pitra Diakite, former Ambassador of Angola to the USA. human rights, Jeannine Scott, President of the Chamber of Commerce US‑Angola, Mamadou Mbey representative of Chevron and representatives of Boeing. Both parties referred to the personal commitment of the Angolan diplomat despite the various challenges during the course of her duties, contributing for the achievement of a new era of the bilateral cooperation between Angola and the USA. In her speech of thanks, Josefina Pitra Diakite, also stressed that the instruments have become the cornerstones of On the other hand, Susan Page, praised the role played by Josefina Pitra Diakite, who “contributed greatly, as representative of the Angolan Government for the strengthening of bilateral relations between Angola and the United States”, said. Among the key note speakers were, the Congressman Donald Payne, a senior member of the sub‑committee of international affairs, global health and Francisco da Cruz, Executive Director of Angola‑USA Chamber of Commerce. the relationship between the two countries, especially the establishment of the strategic partnership dialogue between Angola and the United States, which provides a broad framework for both Governments to engage and discuss ways to improve cooperation in specific areas already well defined, some of which are energy, agriculture, transport, health and education, aimed at diversifying beyond oil. Present also was Francisco da Cruz, Executive Director of the Angola‑USA Chamber of Commerce that in his speech mentioned the support provided to private sector development in Angola, congratulated the outgoing Ambassador and wished success in her new mission in South Africa, due to the role that Angola plays in the SADC region. The agenda of the farewell ceremonies for the outgoing Ambassador, included on August 13, 2011, an event held at the city of Philadelphia, State of Pensylvannia, the jurisdiction of the State of New York, local where lives the greatest number of Angolan citizens. Recall that under a Presidential order Josefina Pitra Diakite was exonerated for the post of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Angola in the U.S. and, simultaneously, named to ocupy the same position in the Republic of South Africa. The Angolan diplomat former presented her credentials to U.S. President George W. Bush on June 20, 2001. v Fall-Winter 2011 > Imbondeiro > 47 Press Archive Angola participated at the 2011 U.S. – Africa Business Summit Minister of Geology, Mines and Industry led the Angolan delegation to the Summit T he Angolan minister of Geology, Mines and Industry, Joaquim Duarte da Costa David, participated in Washington, D.C., on October 5‑7, 2011 at the Business Summit between the U.S. and Africa. The event which takes place every two years is organized by the American institution, the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) and has as its primary objective the strengthening of trade relations between Africa and the United States of America. The vast and very interesting agenda consisted of approximately thirty (30) sessions covering a range of sectors, products and services, with a total of more than one thousand five hundred (1,500) people. The various sessions and workshops in which representatives of governments and business as much This year’s summit offered a unique opportunity for the participants, twenty (20) African countries, along with representatives of the U.S. government related to energy and mining sector, including manufacturers, suppliers in the U.S. that are interested in doing business in the continent, establishing a more efficient network of contacts. 48 > Imbondeiro > Fall-Winter 2011 Minister Joaquim David led the Angolan delegation. The Angolan Ambassador to the US, Alberto do Carmo Bento Ribeiro participated at the event. Joaquim Duarte da Costa David, Angolan Minister. as African‑Americans to discuss issues related to energy, industry, commerce, finance infrastructure for the continent’s development, health, business opportunities, trade and investment in both directions, also including, transport, storage, distribution networks, training Press Archive and the importance of the chain from the private sector. The Angolan minister of Geology, Mines and Industry, accompanied by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Angola to the USA, Alberto do Carmo Bento Ribeiro, was the key note speaker at the workshop on “Opportunities and risks in the mining industry in Africa”. been working to get more updated information that will allow us to know the real mining situation in the country and how to attract a larger number of potential investors. Our country has recently passed a new Basic Law for Private Investment and we think it will help to increase the responsibility and interest of several investors,” he said. Mamadou M’Beye, Executive President of US‑Angola Chamber of Commerce and Chevron representative. Angolan diplomats in Washington, D.C., attended the event. Maria Luísa Abrantes, ANIP CEO (right in the photo). Minister Joaquim David at the venue next to Maria da Cruz, Executive Director of the U.S. ‑ Angola Chamber of Commerce. “It’s common knowledge that Africa is a continent blessed with a great geological potential. The history of mineral exports is well known and opportunities in the continent are very high and risks low as shown by the evidence, despite the conflicts due to the current crisis that reduces demand for some minerals. We live in a world where many difficult conflicts, reduce their demand, especially in countries of the continent,” said the Angolan official. The workshop was moderated by Ambassador Frances Cook, Senior Independent Director of Lonrho. Among the speakers also highlighted Princeton Lyman, Special Envoy to Sudan from the US State Department, Joe Mathews, Head of Government and Community Relations of the mining operations of ArcelorMittal, Paulo de Sá, Unit Manager of Oil and Gas from the World Bank and Maurice Templesman, Chairman of U.S. Lazare Kaplan International, Inc. Aside from the work of the CCA Summit, the Angolan Minister of Geology, Mines and Industry, met with Maurice Templesman, Chairman of U.S. Lazare Kaplan International, Inc.; participated at the meeting Witney Schneidman, President of the Company Schneider & Associates. Both Adão Pinto, General Consul of Angola in New York. In the particular case of Angola, Joaquim Duarte da Costa David, emphasized the potential of our country to increase the creation of more jobs and promote the transfer of values, which represents a major challenge. “In these nine years of peace, we have Jeannine B. Scott, President of the US‑Angola Chamber of Commerce. sides discussed the possibilities of cooperation between the two countries, aiming at diversification, including more efficiently the mining sector in the context of the strategic partnership between Angola and the U.S. Minister Joaquim David and Maurice Templesman, President of Lazare Kaplan International, Inc. In Washington, the Angolan leader was greeted by a welcome dinner offered by the Chamber of Commerce US‑Angola, attended by their members, board members, members of the Angolan community living in the USA, representatives of Oil Company Chevron and Lazare Kaplan International Inc., sponsors of the event as well as Angolan diplomats. During the same, the Angolan Minister updated those present on progress and strategies driving the industry, as well as on the future of bilateral cooperation with the U.S. The Angolan delegation to the Summit of the CCA also included, Adão Pinto, General Consul of Angola in New York, Maria Luísa Abrantes, ANIP CEO and the Angolan Trade Representative to the USA recently named, Beatriz Costa. v Fall-Winter 2011 > Imbondeiro > 49 Press Archive Angolan woman entrepreneur honored in Washington, D.C. T he U.S. Department of State, through its program “Global Women in Management”, paid tribute in Washington, D.C. last June, to women entrepreneurs from various countries that have been highlighted in their work as entrepreneurs. Angola was represented at the event by Paulina Lassalete Gonçalves, a young woman entrepreneur, member of the national Association of Women Entrepreneurs, which represents the Lunda‑Norte province within the Government of Luanda. Born in Lubango, southern Huíla province, Paulina Gonçalves, aims to expand her activities to more provinces of the country and as a trainer in With a very intensive schedule, the participants had, for fifteen days, the opportunity to share their experience and see the experience of American women. The agenda consisted of several visits to different enterprises, especially in the State of Virginia. v Paulina Lassalette da Cunha Gonçalves, an Angolan woman entrepreneur honored in Washington, D.C. capacity building activities that are part of her work, share your experience with other women for the sake of Angolan entrepreneurship among the Angolan women. Angolan business woman next to Delfina Nascimento, diplomat at the Embassy of Angola to the USA. Mwangolé‑Night Angolan Community Celebrated our “Dipanda” in Washington, D.C. T he “Mwangolé Night”, organized by the Angolan community, residing in the metropolitan area of Washington D.C., to celebrate the 36th Anniversary of the National Independence, on November 10, 2011, joined students, friends of Angola, Angolan dipomatas that animated the party together, in a good way of our mother land! For free, who attended the activity, had the opportunity to socialize and spend good moments, as if at home, animated by Angolan DJs youth living in these parts. The activity took place at the Shadow Room, 2131 K Street, NW Washington, D.C. 50 > Imbondeiro > Fall-Winter 2011 COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION KUDISSANGA • Washington, D.C. Press Statement Hillary Rodham Clinton Secretary of State Washington, D.C. November 10, 2011 civil war. Today, our two countries are strengthening this progress as strategic partners on the basis of mutual respect and interest. On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I am honored to address the best wishes to the people of Angola for the passage of the 36th anniversary of its independence, which is celebrated on November 11. We wish to continue working with you even more, as you strengthen democratic governance, improve the rule of law and promote more opportunities for all Angolans. During my trip to Angola two years ago, I had personally witnessed the remarkable recovery and economic progress that your country has experienced since the end of the As you celebrate this special day with family and loved ones, know that the United States of America is a partner and friend. We are committed to this relationship and a brighter future for all Angolans. v Sports Afrobasket 2011 • Angola did well and Scored! We Won! Angola is the new African champion’s women basketball, after on 1st of October this year, having won the Senegalese team by 62-54 in the final of Afrobasket 2011 in Mali. Angola won Afrobasket female and were crowned African champions A ngola got the first week of October 2011, its first continental female title, when won Senegal by 62-54 in the final of Afrobasket-2011, played at Bamako, Mali’s capital. The Angolan team outperformed Senegal, champion who defended the title they got in 2009 in Antananarivo, against Mali, and the current selection with the most wins in female Afrobasket. At the pavilion 26 of March in Bamako, the national team, under the guidance of Coach Aníbal Moreira, better and the range was already winning by 32‑26. With this result Angola guarantees its presence at 2012 Olympic Games in London, while Senegal will compete to access liguilha competition. With five bronze medals won, this is the first time the national team achieves the first place in the race. Interestingly, Angola finishes the race with the same opponents that began: Senegal. In the first game of Group B Angola lost with the Senegalese, a result that did not repeat during the competition. After that the national team only learned to win. v The prize was fruit of hard work Angolans celebrate winning the first time, the continental title in women’s basketball. T he head coach of the national women’s basketball team, Aníbal Moreira, reaffirmed in Luanda that the success of victory and won of the trophy Afrobasket‑2011, in Mali, “is the result of hard work that the set made for a long time.” The coach presented his position when speaking to the press at the International Airport 4 de Fevereiro, time after landing the team, adding that “the selection was displeased by the fact that won second at the Pana‑African Games.” Therefore, the coach said, “we had the Afrobasket‑2011 as the biggest challenge of the team, and fortunately we won before Senegal.” After Angola be in two semi‑finals, said Anibal Moreira, “meant a lot for the selection and after the game against Mali, where we won, then gave us the assurance that we would do everything to win this championship,” he said . According to the coach, the championship was a very special flavor, “because I felt honored to get this done, and especially by beating Senegal in the final, and winning this great prize is very good.” “This is to say that may be surprising to some people, but for us (coaching staff ) do not. Although many people do not count on our success, this has always been our major project to bring a title to Angola, “reaffirmed the coach Aníbal Moreira. v Coach Aníbal Moreira. President congratulated the national women’s Basquetball Team T he President of Angola José Eduardo dos Santos, congratulated the national women’s basketball Angola’s President of the Republic, José Eduardo dos Santos. unique and historical achievement of Afrobasket in Mali, after victory in the final with Senegal. “The accomplishment achieved is a result of collective action and spirit of conquest of the Angolan people. I congratulate all members of the Angolan Basketball Federation (FAB), its staff, for this unique action, which honors and dignifies the Angolan nation, “stated José Eduardo dos Santos. v Fall-Winter 2011 > Imbondeiro > 51 Sports • Afrobasket 2011 Nacissela is the MVP of Afrobasket N acissela Maurício is the captain of the national senior women’s basketball. Among females, she had the responsibility of bringing the set to win. She worked in this direction, not only for the title achieved, but also because she was considered the best player in the 22th African Basketball Championship Senior Women (Afrobasket2011), that recently ocurred in Bamako, Mali. Nacissela also includes the group of the five ideal players in Africa together with Sónia. In 1999, with Catarina Camufal and Nguendula Filipe, Nacissela Maurício won the African Cup of junior female. An example to be followed by “girls” that are starting playing basketball and who aspire to reach the finest suit of sport. v WNBA Selection matures in London for the game‑2012 Ministry of Youth and Sports combines sport and learning ... towards progress! Protocol with the American League! secretary general of the MPLA, Roberto de Almeida and Dino Matross, respectively. he Minister of Youth and Sports of Angola, Gonçalves Muandumba, said in Luanda that the national senior women’s champion Afrobasket ‑ title won in Mali for the first time ‑ will prepare the Olympic Games 2012 London (England) in the United States, Professional women league (WNBA). The Angolan government thus assumes that will continue to support the women’s basketball and do everything so that the champion has a good selection for the Olympic Games preparation. v T Without specifying dates, Gonçalves Muandumba revealed to be expected to sign a protocol between the Angolan government and the WNBA, a league more competitive in the world with a view to furthering the games with local teams. The possibility of internships in various training centers of WNBA will also be part of the Agreement: “The preparation for the Olympic Games is an imperative to improve 52 > Imbondeiro > Fall-Winter 2011 National Team Captain Maurice Nacissela. performance, while decent representatives of the African continent, is one of the challenges in the coming days”, he stressed that government ‑ committed to join the sport to learn towards progress ‑ during the tribute, a ceremony that also had the presence of several personalities, including Minister for Family and Women’s Promotion, Genoveva Lino, the deputy minister of Youth and Sports, Albino da Conceição, the vice‑president and Sports Afrobasket Angola won Senegal in the city of Bamako T he head of the Angolan delegation to the 22nd African Cup of Nations, held at the Republic of Mali, Maria Barbosa “Manu”, was considered the Angolan woman warrior and a fighter, which made possible to win the Afrobasket‑2011, Saturday, October 1, 2011 in the city of Bamako. According to former basketball player and responsible for women’s basketball, the Angolan Football Federation (FAB), “all Angolan women are guerrilla fighters, and went to the championship, with the aim to win and this was achieved,” reaffirmed. Maria Barbosa, speaking on behalf of women basketball players, told Angop: “It was not easy to get the first place, but with much struggle and strength of all the Angolan people, in particular, we reached the podium.” Source of great pride! According to the speaker, “to conquer the African Cup is a feeling of great prestige, because we won a team well known at the world as Senegal, which usually goes to the Olympics and was not easy”. “Coincidentally, she said, in the African Games, we also went to the finals with them (the Senegalese) but the Afrobasket‑2001 is more important, so that when we won Senegal in the final at Bamako” satisfaction was higher in relation to duty. At the time, Miss Luanda‑2011, Manuela Agostinho, who was also at the airport to receive the African champions, stressed that the victory of the women’s team showed, once again, “the strong country that is 2011 • ULA offers scholarships and internships to African champions for technical team Buggy red, black and yellow. A tribute Gala to the African champions basquetebol2011 was conducted by the University Lusíada of Angola, under the chairmanship of the Rector Rui Mingas, in front of other officials. The Rector, at the time, offered scholarships to athletes and a trip to the technical team to Portugal, where they would intern for 20 days at the Sport Lisboa e Benfica. Angola with various bonds, which raises self‑esteem of all Angolan people. For her, “is a victory that came to raise the name of the country, particularly in Africa, so the number of tourists will increase in Angola which is a pride for all Angolans.” In turn, the athlete Nadir Manuel, African champions, said “it was such a moment, an inexplicable feeling” because for the first time we won the gold medal and the first tournament of the Africa Nations. “It is with great emotion that I get in this house to know these fabulous women that my country has not only in basketball, as well as in other areas. But right now we are here to greet a large done,” said the Rector. Rui Mingas offered a scholarship to each athlete, considering that they must expand their knowledge and intellectual training. On behalf of the selection, the athlete Catherine Camufal thanked the Board of the University, calling their colleagues to make optimum use of the training opportunity that was given. v The player who confirmed it was not easy to prove, as well as get the trophy, called the other female athletes in the world to continue to train hard to fight without giving up in order to achieve more successes. v Fall-Winter 2011 > Imbondeiro > 53 Know Angola Malanje Kalandula Water Falls, a delight Paradise! Malanje Province is located in the northern highlands of Angola and its capital city is Malanje. I s limited to the northern by province of Uíge and the Democratic Republic of Congo, south by the Province of Bié, west by the provinces of Kwanza Norte and Kwanza Sul and east by the provinces of Lunda Norte and Lunda Sul. The province is divided into three geoeconomic zones: the plateau Malanje, Lower Zone and Kassanje Luanda. It has a great variety of tourism resources, among which are: Kangandala National Park, the Natural Reserve of Luanda, the Giant Sable Antelope, the Kalandula Water Falls, the Pedras Negras of Pungo-Ndongo, the Quick Kwanza, and the dam of Kapanda. Malanje has elevation ranging between 500 and 1500 meters. Rainfall levels varies between 1000 and 1750 mm, while the annual average temperatures vary between 20 and 24 ° C. The climate is humid. The vegetation of the province consists of open woodlands, savannas, forest-savanna mosaic and balcedo-savanna mosaic. With an area of 97,602 km , has an estimated population of 900,000 inhabitants. Included in the municipalities of the Province of Malanje, are Millet, Marimba, Cunda days Baze, Caombo, Kalandula, Cacuso, Kiwaba Ngozi, Mucari, Quela, Cambundi-Catembo, Quirima, and Cangandala and Luquembo. 2 The word Malanje comes from the old context Kimbundu which means “stones” (MA-Lanji). Versions about the origin of the name Malanje: Version 1: Before the Portuguese colonization, the river was known as River Malanje Kadianga or Carianga for the Portuguese. Upon arrival to the region of Malanje, the Portuguese crossed a river, as there were no bridges at that time, they were crossed over rocks. After crossing 54 > Imbondeiro > Fall-Winter 2011 The abundance of rainfall makes the region a predominantly agricultural area. The province has diamonds, uranium, limestone and phosphate, in addition to other wood resources. In industry stand out building materials, food, wine and tobacco. Map of the province of Malanje. the river, saw local residents and asked what was the name of the river and the residents (who did not understand the Portuguese language at the time) said “Ma-Lanji Ngana” (Are stones, Sir). 2nd version: Women farmers. A Portuguese expedition led by Rodrigues Graça (1843), reached the banks of the river Kadianga and found three local women and asked them what the locals were doing and they responded: “We are grinding cassava.” The Europeans delighted with the number of women and men asked about the region, so they responded in Kimbundu, “Mala Hanji,” which means: “There are also men.” The vegetation consists of forests, grasslands and mixed forest-savanna and savannabalcedo. 3rd version: The Portuguese sent envoys to chiefs (Mwen’exi) sites in order to prevent the use of force to occupy the region. When one of the emissaries should give the message to the local chief, he replied: “Malaga?”, in Portuguese: “Are they crazy?” Economy From the economic point of view, the most developed area in which the farm is located around the city of Malanje, among other products are grown cotton, sugarcane, maize, cassava, peanuts, sweet potatoes , bananas, beans, rice, corn, eucalyptus, pine, tobacco. It also makes a slight production of beef, milk and dairy products. Education It has a medical school (the first in the province located in the capital), which emerged as an extension of the University of Lueje, which headquarters is in Dundo. Malanje also has a Medium Agrarian Institute, called IMAM (Medium Agrarian Institute of Malanje), located at the commune of Quéssua. The “Malanjinhos” designation given to the natives, belong to the Group Mbundu. The mother tongue is Kimbundu; the ethnicity was the most intense that had contacts with the European world. Also in the seventeenth century, was the first Africans to be subject to an European nation. Perhaps for that reason, have also been the most acculturated of all other Angolan ethno-linguistic groups. Estimates that the Mbundu are the second largest demographic group and in 1960 were around one million inhabitants. v Know Angola Bet on Tourism Nature favors! The magnificent Kalandula Water Falls municipality of Kalandula T hey are located in Lucala, the most important tributary of the River Kwanza. Are about 80 km from the city of Malanje, the provincial capital and 420 km from Luanda, the capital of the country. With a length of 410 meters and a height of 105, are the second largest in Africa. And one of the largest volume of water in the continent. Cuaba Nzogo e Malanje, south by the municipality of Cacuso and west by the municipalities of Samba Caju and Ambaca. Administratively has five communes, Headquarters, Kota, Kinji, Kangol and Kuala-Kateco. Besides the famous Kalandula Falls there are others such as Musseleji, MactaoLuando and Mbango-Nzenza. Just watching! Formed by a sequence of several falls ranging: one of higher altitude and other smaller are leading invariant set falls together. The falls create a tangle of water with formation of estalatites net, creating a scene indescribably lovely and awful creating a lovely scene! Such is the noise caused by water hitting the rocks, as well as the formation of several hazy mists giving the viewer an overview of various rainbows. v T The promotion of tourism in the province and especially in Kalandula, city that lies 72 kilometers north of Malanje, and falls as a backdrop, has been the subject of several events organized by the provincial government. Boa Ventura Cardoso, the provincial governor, has called on businessmen in the tourism sector to accelerate the process of building more touristic resorts to attract tourists who visit the site and has highlighted the benefits of economic development for the sector, whereas the same contributes to the national reconstruction process underway in the country. This should be followed by more entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs are required to invest more in the city, being a popular tourist destination for its natural beauty, such as falls from Kalandula, Musseleje and other attractions. Kalandula is a village at a municipality in the province of Malanje who had the status of a Town on 2 September 1929. Kalandula has 70.000 and 37 square kilometers and a population estimated at 72.000 and 400 inhabitants. It is bordered to the north by the municipalities of Alto Kauale e Massango, at east, by the municipalities of Marimba, Caombo, Hotel Yonaka. Kalandula municipality. Rainbow in Kalandula. Spectacular work of nature placed in Kalandula, Malanje province. The municipality of Kalandula in Malanje province, has a 4-star hotel called “Hotel Yonaka”, assigned to the business group Miamop. The project involves four executive suites, four presidential and a pool. Malanje – More natural beauties and touristic places years that rise high above the savannah that surrounds them. They form a set of rocks characterized by mysterious figures of objects and animals, and overlapping each other. According to tradition, the footprints carved in the rock are from Ms. Ana de Sousa or Queen Nzinga Mbandi Ngola. This is another natural spectacle that packs any visitor! ! v Black Stones of Pungo Andongo. T he Pedras Negras of Pungo Andongo are located in the municipality of Kacuso, about 116 km from the city of Malanje and are a major tourist attraction in Angola. The Stones of Pungo Ndongo are some strange rock formations from millions of Sunset in Malanje. The food varies from national to international. The hotel unit, the first in the city, provides Internet services and gym, which are the center of attraction falls Kalandula, the main tourist spot in the region. The hotel, whose construction works years ago, is responsibility of the contractor Imbondex, budgeted at five billion dollars. v Fall-Winter 2011 > Imbondeiro > 55 Embassy, Mission at the UN, General Consulates and Offices Republic of Angola United States of America Embassy of Angola to the USA Washington, D.C. 2100-2108 16th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20009 Ph.: 202-785-1156 - Fax: 202-822-9049 Website: www.angola.org Mission of Angola to the United Nations 820 Second Ave., 12th floor New York, NY 10017 Ph.: 212-861-5656 - Fax: 212-861-9295 Website: www.un.int/wcm/content/site/angola General Consulate of Angola in New York 866 United Nations Plaza, East 48th St 5th Floor, New York, NY 10017 Ph.: 212-223-3588 - Fax: 212-980-9606 General Consulate of Angola in Houston 3040 Post Oak Blvd. Suite 780 Houston-Texas 77056 Ph.: 713-212-3840 - Fax: 713-212-3841 Website: www.angolaconsulate-tx.org Email: info@angola consulate-tx.org National Agency of Private Investment - ANIP 1420 K St. NW Suite 600 Washington, D.C. 20005 Ph.: 202-962-0380 - Fax: 202-962-0381 Website: www.iie-angola-us.org Email: milinvest@starpower.net Commercial Representation 1317 F St NW Suite 450 Washington, D.C. 20004 Ph.: 202-783-4740 - Fax: 202-783-4743 Website: www.angolatradeusa.org Email: angolatrade@usa.com SONANGOL Representation 1177 Enclave Parkway 2nd Floor Houston - Texas 77056 Ph.: 281-920-7600 - Fax: 281-920-7635 Website: www.sonangol.co.ao Email: inso@sonangol-usa.com Chamber of Commerce USA/Angola 1100 17th St. N.W. Suite 1100-A Washington, D.C. 20036 Ph.: 202-223-0540 Website: www.us-angola.org Email: mdacruz@us-angola.org