Minute to Minute

SADC inspectors to meet in Arusha

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:45:12 GMT

Luanda,

Luanda- The group of discussions of Defence Inspector Generals of SADC, in which Angola is a member, will meet in Arusha, Tanzania, from February 10 to 13 with view to finish drafting the inspection manual of this regional organisation.

Angola will be represented at this gathering by the inspector general of the Angolan Armed Forces, General Rafael Sapilinha "Sambalanga, who left Luanda on Tuesday in the capacity of chair of the group of inspectors of the community in order to preside over this meeting.

The manual serves as a guiding tool of military inspection activities of the Standby Force of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and of other military or defence structures that comprise the aforesaid community.

Among other tasks, SADC inspectors are entrusted with assessing the use of human, material and financial resources made available for officers of the Standby Force.

In May 2009, this work group was admitted in the structures of the Inter-State Defence and Security Committee (ISDSC) of SADC.

After concluding the inspection manual by defence inspector generals, the document shall be submitted to the ISDSC for approval.

Parliament to prioritise governance monitoring

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:19:48 GMT

Angola,

Luanda - The new speaker of the National Assembly, António Paulo Kassoma, said Tuesday in Luanda that special attention will be focussed on the monitoring of the implementation of National Plan, State Budget and field visits during his mandate.

Paulo Kassoma was speaking at the ceremony of his election to the helm of the Parliament in the context of changes made in institutions of sovereignty, under the new Constitution in force.

According to him, the monitoring task is one of the concerns expressed by President, José Eduardo dos Santos, last December when he stressed the need for less timidity in this area.

"An efficient and transparent management of public resources for the benefit of the common interest is in question", assured the speaker, who defended the continued improvement of the technical, professional and organisational levels of the MPs.

Paulo Kassoma said that the tasks of the National Assembly, for the current year, have already been defined and have been performed accordingly with the outlined plans and expectations lying ahead.

The parliamentary speaker thanked the President of the Republic for the trust placed on him, for having tasked him with holding the post. He also thanked the MPs, who through their votes, believed in his ability to "successful" lead the destinies of the National Assembly.

António Paulo Kassoma, who previously served as the prime minister, was elected as the parliament speaker with 191 votes in favour, nine against, two abstentions and one invalid.

He replaced Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos, who appointed as the Vice President of the Republic.

Government plans to hold international fair

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:09:35 GMT

Angola/Huambo,

Huambo – An international fair dubbed “Ekuikui II” will be held this year in the central Huambo province, in an initiative of the government aimed at boosting private investment and production for local development, ANGOP learnt.

This is one of the decisions emanating from the first ordinary session of the government of Huambo province, which included the presentation of the plan of 247 actions to be implemented during 2010, in the social and economic sectors of the region.

During the first ordinary session chaired by the provincial governor, Fernando Faustino Muteka, government officials analysed the national urbanisation and housing programme to be implemented on land reserves, on which over 49,700 social houses will be built.

The criminal situation of the past three months, the investment programme of the Caála industrial growthpoint, among other topics, were also reviewed by the government officials during the aforesaid ordinary session that was held last weekend.

Theatre group stages romantic play

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:59:51 GMT

Angola,

Luanda – The theatre group “Desejados da Kianda” will stage the debut “Sonhos de amor (love dreams)” play on February 11, in Luanda.

Speaking to ANGOP, the director of the group, Jonas Mazuela, said that the play portrays the story of two young lovers, who are separated by destiny, causing them to remember their love moment they experienced before the separation and eventually resume dating.

The director indicated that the purpose of this play is to show the society that when people love each other and are separated by some reason they eventually resume dating, in spite of whatever difficulties they may face.

Invited to speak about the state of theatre in Angola, Jonas Mazuela said it has made many improvements in regards to the technical aspect.

The “Desejados da Kianda” group was founded on October 18, 2000, and comprises 15 actors aged between 16 and 31 years.

The group has staged several plays, including “O imperio do mal”, “Castrado”, “Supresa da vida”, “Preço de ser dred” and “Quem ira morrer por mi”, among others.

2010 shall be year of enormous challenges, says army chief

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:50:38 GMT

Hu�la,

Lubango – The chief of staff of the Angolan Armed Forces (FAA), general Francisco Pereira Furtado, said this Tuesday in Lubango, capital city of south Huíla province, that 2010 is a year of enormous challenges for the Angolan Armed Forces, since it will host a series of activities of crucial importance for its affirmation in Africa and in the world.

The general officer, who was speaking at the opening of the meeting of senior officers of FAA at the Aerial Regiment of Fighter Planes, of the Southern Aerial Zone, informed that this year Angola will host the Kwanza-2010 Exercise, of certifying the readiness of standby forces of the central region of Africa, in the military, police and civil components.

Francisco Furtado recalled that the armed forces are responsible for organising this military event, with its Inter-State Committee for Defence and Security to meet soon in the Angolan capital, Luanda, to prepare the final operational plans and guidelines, which will comply with the above exercise.

The chief of staff said that the FAA will also host, next September, military chiefs of the Portuguese Speaking Countries Community (CPLP), when they will meet in Angola for the holding of the 2010-Feline Exercise.

"All these events come to test our capacities, both military as organisational, thereby I call upon all members of the FAA to give their best for the success of these events", he stressed.

Senior officers and staff of the armed forces are attending the meeting that will discuss, until next Friday, various issues relating to the process of re-organising the FAA, which started three years ago.

National defence policy to be continuous

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:18:34 GMT

Luanda,

Luanda – The new National Defence minister, general Cândido Pereira dos Santos Van-Dúnem, said this Tuesday here that the work to be carried out at the institution shall be of continuity relating to that implemented by his predecessor, Kundi Paihama.

Speaking during the ceremony of exchanging portfolios, he referred that these tasks of the Ministry of National Defence aim at meeting the demands of the country and of the military sector.

He added that they are based on legal provisions such as the Constitution and that of National Defence, which are aspects that were also stressed by the Angolan Head of State, José Eduardo dos Santos, during the swearing in of the new government.

Minister Cândido Pereira Van-Dúnem also underlined the importance of collaboration and spirit of comradeship among staff of the ministry for the success of projects and programmes.

On his turn, the outgoing minister of National Defence, Kundi Paihama, congratulated his successor on his nomination and stressed the sector’s importance in defending the country, since the armed forces are tasked with guaranteeing peace and stability.

He defended that cooperation with the Ministry of National Defence should continue, therefore various ideas should be conciliated, taking into account that new posts, such as minister of Former Combatants and War Veterans, are also linked to the armed forces.

The deputy minister of National Defence, Salviano Sequeira, deputy chief of staff of the Angolan Armed Forces, general Geraldo Sachipengo Nunda, among other senior officers and staff of this ministry also attended the ceremony.

On his arrival at the Ministry of National Defence, at around 09:30am, minister Cândido Pereira Van-Dúnem was received with military honours and reviewed troops on parade.

Former premier elected Parliament speaker

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:28:13 GMT

Angola,

Luanda – The former Angolan Prime minister, António Paulo Kassoma, was elected National Assembly (Parliament) speaker on Tuesday in Luanda.

The new Parliament speaker was elected with 191 votes in favour, nine against, two abstentions and one null.

Under the new Constitution, the Angolan president, José Eduardo dos Santos, named António Paulo Kassoma as new speaker.

The election was made by a secret vote.

Luanda citizens dance to 32nd independent carnival

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:25:55 GMT

Angola,

Luanda – The population of Luanda province will return to the streets again on February 14, 15 and 16 to celebrate 32nd carnival of Angola during the independence era, which started in 1978 with the group União Operário Kabocomeu of Sambizanga district winning the first edition.

The carnival is being led by the group named União Mundo da Ilha of Ingombota district with 12 titles, followed by União Kiela of Sambizanga district with five titles.

União 10 de Dezembro of Maianga district (four), Angola Independente of Kilamba Kiaxi (three) and Feijoeiros do Ngola Kimbanda of Samba (two) are also part of the list of winners of the country’s most popular event.

With one victory are União 54 of Maianga district, União Kabokomeu and União Kazukuta both from Sambizanga, Unidos do Caxinde of Ingombota and Amazonas do Prenda of Maianga.

Below is the list of winners and the respective years:

1 - 1978 União Kabocomeu - Sambizanga – dances Kazucuta
2 - 1979 Feijoeiros Ngola Kimbanda - Samba – dances Cidrália
3 - 1980 União Mundo da Ilha - Ingombota – dances Semba
4 - 1981 Feijoeiros Ngola Kimbanda - Samba – dances Cidrália
5 - 1982 União Mundo da Ilha - Ingombota – dances Semba
6 - 1983 União Mundo da Ilha - Ingombota – dances Semba
7 - 1984 União Mundo da Ilha - Ingombota – dances Semba
8 - 1985 União Kiela - Sambizanga – dances Semba
9 - 1986 União Kiela - Sambizanga – dances Semba
10 -1987 União Mundo da Ilha - Ingombota - Semba
11 -1988 União Mundo da Ilha - Ingombota – dances Semba
12 -1989 União Kiela - Sambizanga - dances Semba
13 -1990 União Kiela - Sambizanga – dances Semba
14 -1991 União 10 de Dezembro - Maianga – dances Semba
15 -1992 União Amazonas - Maianga – dances Semba
16 -1994 Angola Independente - Kilamba Kiaxi – dances Semba
17 -1995 Angola Independente - Kilamba Kiaxi – dances Semba
18 -1996 Angola Independente - Kilamba Kiaxi – dances Semba
29 -1997 União Mundo da Ilha - Ingombota – dances Semba
20 -1998 União 54 - Maianga – dances Semba
21 -1999 União 10 de Dezembro - Maianga – dances Semba
22 -2000 União Mundo da Ilha - Ingombota – dances Semba
23 -2001 União Kazucuta - Sambizanga – dances Kazukuta
24 -2002 União 10 de Dezembro - Maianga – dances Semba
25 -2003 União Mundo da Ilha - Ingombota – dances Semba
26 -2004 União Mundo da Ilha - Ingombota – dances Semba
27 -2005 Unidos do Caxinde - Ingombota - dances Semba
28 -2006 União 10 de Dezembro - Maianga – dances Semba
29- 2007 União Mundo da Ilha - Ingombota – dances Semba
30 -2008 União Mundo da Ilha – Ingombota – dances Semba
31 -2009 União Kiela - Sambizanga – dances Semba

The carnival parade did not take place in 1993 due to the war following the 1992 general elections.

1� de Agosto and Benfica do Lubango open ladies tourney

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:19:36 GMT

Angola/Basketball,

Lubango – The senior females' basketball team of 1º de Agosto will start defending their national title against Benfica do Lubango this Tuesday afternoon, at 04 pm in the city of Lubango, capital of southern Huíla province.

The encounter shall be for the first round of the national championship happening from February 09 to 20 February.

The opening round will be played at the pavilion of Benfica do Lubango club and it also reserves matches between Interclube and Juventude de Viana.

Ladies handball team off to Egypt

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:12:00 GMT

Angola,

Luanda – The Angolan senior ladies handball team left this Tuesday morning for Egypt, where they will defend their continental title during the African Cup of Nations to happen from February 10 to 21.

The Angolan squad will face Egypt on Thursday for the first round of the competition.

Angola is part of group B alongside Egypt, DRC and the Republic of Congo.

The tournament will happen simultaneously with the males' competition, in which Angola is also part of the group B with Cameroon, Egypt and Gabon.

In the males' category, Angola will play their debut match against Cameroon and will try to improve the fourth position achieved in the last edition of the tournament, in 2007 in the Angolan capital, Luanda.

Over 30 groups to parade in Luanda's carnival

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:10:24 GMT

Angola,

Luanda – At least 37 groups will parade from February 14 to 16 in the Luanda carnival in the A, B and C categories.

The parade will start on Sunday (February 14) with the children's carnival group named Cassules Admiradores do Hoje Ya Henda (C category) and will close the event on Tuesday with the União Jovens da Cacimba (A category).

The districts of Viana, Cazenga and Cacuaco are not represented in the main parade of the A category of the parade's 2010 edition.

Below is the list of the carnival groups:

February 14: Parade of C category (Children):

1st Cassules Admiradores do Hoje ya Henda - município do Cazenga
2nd Cassules do fogo Negro - Maianga
3rd Cassules do Zanga Maka - Cacuaco
4th Cassules 10 de Dezembro - Maianga
5th Cassules do Sagrada Esperança - Rangel
6th Cassules do Amazona do Prenda - Maianga
7th Cassules do Ngola Kiluanje - Sambizanga
8th Cassules do Kazucuta do Sambizanga - Sambizanga
9th Cassules Café de Angola - Kilamba Kiaxi
10th Cassules 54 - Maianga
11th Cassules dos Jovens da Cacimba - Maianga

February 15: Parade of B category (adult's second league):

1st União Estrela do Povo - Cazenga
2nd União Café de Angola - Kilamba Kiaxi
3rd União Comandante Kwenha - Kilamba Kiaxi
4th União dos Petrolíferos - Sambizanga
5th União Angola Independente - Kilamba Kiaxi
6th União Geração Sagrada - Rangel
7th União 54 - Maianga
8th União Twabixila - Viana
9th União Jovens Mukuaxi - Maianga
10th União Tones - Cazenga
11th União Chega Mãe ya Dengue - Rangel
12th União Domant - Cacuaco
13th União Nzinga Mbandi - Viana

February 16: Parade of A category (adults):

1st Unidos do Caxinde - Ingombota
2nd União Mundo da Ilha - Ingombota
3rd União Amazona do Prenda - Maianga
4th União 10 de Dezembro - Maianga
5th União Giza - Rangel
6th União Sagrada Esperança - Rangel
7th União Kazukuta do Sambizanga - Sambizanga
8th União Povo da Samba - Samba
9th União Kabocomeu - Sambizanga
10th União Kiela - Sambizanga
11th União 17 de Setembro - Kilamba Kiaxi
12th União Geração do Mar - Samba
13th União Dimba dia Ngola - Sambizanga
14thº União Jovens da Cacimba - Maianga

Portugal holds international fair on food, beverages

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:08:12 GMT

Angola,

Luanda – The International Hall of the Food and Beverages Sector (SISAB–2010) will happen from February 22 to 24 in Lisbon, Portugal, with the participation of 400 Portuguese companies of the sector, ANGOP learnt this Tuesday from an official
source.

According to a communiqué from wine commission of the Lisbon region (CVRL), this will be the 15th edition of an initiative considered by the international market as the “Biggest Annual Meeting” of the sector, specialised on exporting Portuguese food products.

SISAB-2009 counts on a 22-percent increase of national and international attendance, overcoming all initial expectations of the organising committee.

The 14th edition of SISAB was inaugurated by the President of Portugal, Cavaco Silva, who at the occasion stressed the importance of this event that plans the Portuguese food sector for its internationalisation in a very special manner.

Angolan to chair congress of portuguese speaking lawyers

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:06:15 GMT

Angola,

Luanda - The chairman of the angolan bar association, Manuel Vicente Inglês Pinto, will chair the first international congress of portuguese speaking lawyers to be held in Lisbon (Portugal) from March 22 to 24.

The event, organized by the union of portuguese speaking lawyers, will debate subjects such as " The challanges of portuguese speaking advocacy in a borderless world", "The prerogatives of lawywers as guarantees of citizens", "The lawyer before the state of law" and "The lawyer before the Judiciary".

"The lawyer before the society", "The lawyer professional secrecy", "confidentiality lawyer/client", "wiretapes and searches in lawyers offices" and "criminalization and breach of confidentiality" are also subjects to be discussed at the gathering of hundreds of lawyers from Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Portugal, Sao Tome and Principe and from the Lawyers Association of Macau (China).

Provincial hospital with new ambulances

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:54:50 GMT

Angola,

Ndalatando – After two years without vehicles for emergency services, the provincial hospital of Kwanza Norte now has two new ambulances.

Speaking to ANGOP, the director general of the aforesaid hospital of northern Kwanza Norte province, Justino Tchikenge, stated that the vehicles will contribute to curbing the difficulties faced in transporting the sick, as well as evacuating patients in critical conditions to the country's capital, Luanda.

A total of 41 physicians, including three Angolans, 24 Cubans, four Koreans, four Russians and six Vietnamese specialists in amnesty, gynaecology, orthopaedics and ophthalmology, among others, secure the work at the health institution.

Local designers show fashion trends

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:45:10 GMT

Luanda,

Luanda – Sixteen Angolan designers showed their creativity for this year on Saturday evening at the 13th edition of "Moda Luanda" fashion show.

At an event produced by "Step Models" modelling agency, the public were delighted by the clothes worn by models during the catwalk.

The clothes were designed by Allyse Inaculo, Vera Freitas, Avelino Nascimento, Jurema Ramos, Elizabeth Santos, Dina Santos, Tina Souvenir, Lucrécia Moreira, Mia Mendes and Tabita Zau.

The list of designers at the event in which white, black, red, yellow and grey were the predominant colours, also include Lenswave Helena Manuel, Daniela Andrade, Indical Barbosa, Ana Silva, Ginga Neto, Tekassala and Shunnoz.

Singers Ary and Danny L entertained the crowd during the event.

Drinking water supply resumes in Kunhinga locality

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:35:00 GMT

Kuito,

Kuito – The population of Kunhinga district, situated 30 kilometres to the north of Kuito city, capital of central Bié province, can once again count on drinking water supply, one year after a breakdown in the distribution network.

Speaking about the matter, the local administrator, Beatriz Napende Diniz, stressed that the fact pleases the population and hinders the spreading of illnesses caused by consumption of improper water.

The reparation of the breakdown is estimated at amounted at 1.38 million Kwanzas (Angolan currency), from the district management funds, attributed in 2009, as part of the municipal decentralisation programme.

Parliament elects new Speaker

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:23:31 GMT

Luanda,

Luanda - The National Assembly is meeting today to elect former prime-minister. António Paulo Kassoma, as new parliament speaker, replacing Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos, sworn in Monday Angola's vice-president, under the country's new Constitution proclaimed Friday.

Other two MPs left the parliament to join the government namely the former leader of the ruling MPLA parliamentary bench, Bornito de Sousa, sworn in minister of territorial administration, and Carolina Cerqueira, the new Social Communication minister.

Bornito de Sousa replaces in the cabinet Virgílio de Fontes Pereira, who is joining the parliament together with Higino Carneiro, former Public Works minister, Aníbal Rocha, ex-governor of far northern Cabinda province, Joaquim dos Reis Jr, former secretary of the cabinet council and Salomão Luketo Xirimbimbi, former fisheries minister.

Private transport firm opens new inter-provincial routes

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:19:45 GMT

Angola,

Luanda – The private bus transport firm “Macon” will open two inter-provincial routes, during the first quarter of this year, namely Luanda-Saurimo (Lunda Sul province) and Luanda/Kuito (Bié province), ANGOP learnt from the company's director for operations and development, Egíldo Beu.

According to the source, the company aims at meeting the demands of citizens wishing to travel to these regions and is also part of a plan established since the year 2009.

The collective transport firm provinces inter-provincial services on the routes from Luanda to Malange, Waku Kungo, Sumbe, Ambriz, Nzeto, Benguela, Lubango, Uíge and Cabala. It also operates on the Benguela-Namibe, Lubango-Namibe and Lubango-Matala routes.

It also provides services in the country's capital, Luanda, on various routes with a fee of 30 Kwanzas (Angolan currency), almost half a dollar.

Macon is the first private collective transport company of Luanda, since 2001, with a fleet of 310 buses and 1,400 workers.

Energy sector prioritises rural, peripheral areas

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:14:08 GMT

Luanda,

Luanda – The secretary of state for energy, João Baptista Borges, pointed out last Monday as priority of his institution the electrification of rural and peripheral areas of the country.

The official said so to the press after being sworn in by the Angolan President, José Eduardo dos Santos.

He said that his sector should be essential to boost the country's rehabilitation process, as well as industrial and economic development.

The secretary of state said that the programme of the Angolan government, which foresees the rehabilitation and expansion of power production and supply capacity until 2012, should adjust power supply to the necessities of consumption, in accordance with what is established by the governance programme of the ruling MPLA party, which won the 2008 legislative elections.

New York consul appeals for youths' commitment to development

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:12:14 GMT

Brockton ,

Brockton – The general consul to New York, Júlia Machado, appealed to Angolan youths in the US state of Massachusetts to keep committed to their school and professional duties, thus contributing to the development of the country.

Speaking to Angop over the weekend in the ambit of the celebrations of the “February 4” in that city, where she inaugurated the new head-office of the Association of Angolan Community to Massachusetts.

On the occasion, Júlia Machado recalled the deeds of the national heroes who sacrificed their lives for the independence of Angola.
She also spoke to participants about the importance of the Angolan new Constitution which has just been approved.

She urged the Angolan community to use the new facility for debates and social, cultural and sport activities.

Angolan Government to improve disasters management system

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:07:41 GMT

Luanda ,

Luanda – The Angolan Government will continue to improve the system of control and management of disasters, Angop learned Monday in Luanda.

This was said by the deputy Interior minister for Civil Protection and Fire Brigade, Eugénio Laborinho.

Eugénio Laborinho who was speaking to the press after being sworn in as deputy minister by Angolan president, José Eduardo dos Santos, at a ceremony that took place in the noble hall of Luanda’s Presidential Palace.

The deputy minister spoke of the existence of a strategic development plan for the sector in the 2009/2015 period that will continue to be implemented, with a view to a better assistance to the population in case of disasters.

Eugénio Laborinho is part of the Government that was appointed last Friday in the ambit of the new Constitution which was promulgated on the same day by Angolan President.

Angolan embassy runs workshop on "February 4" in Lusaka

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 09:52:27 GMT

Angola,

Lusaka – The Angolan embassy in Zambia Saturday in Lusaka ran a workshop on the importance of the “February 4”, date of the beginning of the armed liberation struggle, in the country.

The seminar was aimed at highlighting the action of the national patriots that culminated in the independence of the country.

The meeting that was attended by Angolan ambassador to Zambia, Pedro Neto and by the first secretary of the ruling party in that country, Paulo Luís Gunza, served to recall the patriotic act intended to free Angolans then jailed in Luanda’s São Paulo prison, threatened with death.

The event was addressed to the Angolan community in Zambia, mainly to youths, diplomats and employees of the embassy and included a photographic exhibition about the date.

In order to celebrate the day, a football tournament was also held in the ambit of the celebrations of the day.

Culture minister visits carnival groups

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 09:32:17 GMT

Angola,

Luanda – The Angolan Culture minister, Rosa Cruz e Silva, paid a visit to a few carnival groups at Luanda’s Ingombota district, to assess their preparation for the 2010 edition of the yearly event to happen on February 14, 15 and 16.

The official, who was accompanied by Luanda deputy governor for Social Affairs, Juvelina Imperial, paid the visit to learn about the financial aid extended to them and check the garment and music of each group.

Rosa Cruz e Silva is holding this meeting with carnival groups until February 10, to also show her solidarity.

On Monday, the minister visited the groups União Mundo da Ilha and Unidos do Caxinde, while on Tuesday the official is visiting the Sambizanga district to meet with the groups União Kiela, União Operario Kabocomeu and União Kazukuta do Sambizanga.

On Wednesday, Rosa Cruz e Silva will visit the carnival groups União 10 de Dezembro, União Jovens da Cacimba and União 54.

At least 40 carnival groups from the categories A, B and C, representing various districts of Luanda, will parade on February 14, in the 32nd edition of the cultural event.

Among these groups, 14 groups are part of category A, 15 belong to class B and 11 groups are in children category.

Parliament elects new speaker Tuesday

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 09:23:06 GMT

Angola,

Luanda – The National Assembly (Angolan Parliament) is holding its seventh ordinary plenary session on Tuesday in Luanda, to elect the new speaker, in replacement of Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos.

In the light of the new Constitution, the Angolan president, José Eduardo dos Santos, appointed António Paulo Kassoma as new speaker.

The meeting is also aimed at reshuffling MPs, as some have been appoint to hold Government positions.

The former speaker, Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos, has been appointed vice president of the Republic of Angola.

Cabinet Council meets Friday

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:04:35 GMT

Angola,

Luanda – The Angolan Cabinet Council will meet Friday in Luanda, to discuss, among other matters, the organisation and functioning of the Government under the chairmanship of the head of State, José Eduardo dos Santos.

The meeting will debate the bill on the administrative probity and the presidential legislative decree approving the instructions for the execution of the 2010 State Budget.

The Cabinet council will also analyse the contract between the Angolan Government and the international consultant “Ernst & Young”, to assist in the reorganisation and public finance management, including the Angolan National Reserve Bank (BNA) and the public Credit and Savings Bank (BPC).

Defence minister pledges to comply with president's guidelines

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:04:30 GMT

Angola,

Luanda – The new National Defence minister, Cândido Pereira dos Santos Van-Dúnem, who was appointed Friday in Luanda, said Monday here that the baselines of his ministry correspond to the guidelines outlined by Angolan president, José Eduardo dos Santos.

The official said so while speaking to the press after the ceremony of inauguration of the appointed Government officials, in the light of Angola’s new Constitution promulgated by the head of State on Friday in Luanda.

Cândido Pereira dos Santos said that the pertinent readjustments in the field of the Ministry of the National Defence regarding the Angolan Armed Forces (FAA) will be integrated in the strategy of the Government’s national plan.

Regarding control of Angolan borders, the minister said that his ministry will continue to abide by the excellent and strict responsibility established by the law.

“This is our duty and we will continue to assume our responsibilities”, he said.

Nevertheless, the Defence minister said that there are actions and some of them are under implementation regarding the process of reorganisation of the Angola Armed Forces (FAA).

Financial management must help citizens wellbeing - Minister

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:54:52 GMT

Luanda,

Luanda – The Angolan Finance minister, Carlos Alberto Lopes, Monday in Luanda, mentioned as main priorities for his department to work to improve people’s living, through the contribution of State’s financial management instruments.

The official was speaking to journalists after he was sworn in as Finance minister, during a ceremony presided over by Angolan head of State, José Eduardo dos Santos.

According to him, the great mission of the Finance Ministry is to outline policies of public resources management, so that the instruments of financial management, such as the treasury, patrimony and budget contribute to the wellbeing of the people.

The minister stated as well that a programme of restructuring and reorganisation of the public finances will be implemented.

He announced as well that his sector will receive technical expertise from an international consultancy company.

As the minister said, the technical assistance will cover the reserve bank (BNA) and the bank tasked with operating the treasury’s unique account, the Savings and Credit Bank (BPC).

Construction of bridge in conclusion phase

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:53:15 GMT

Luanda,

Luanda - The construction of the new bridge at the locality of Salinas de Cacuaco, Luanda, is in its completion stage with the laying of the last layer of asphalt, Angop has learnt.

Started in January this year, the bridge measures about 30 metres wide, 96 metres of length and 37 concrete beams for its support.

The bridge, which is part of the process of reconstruction of the Boavista/Kifangondo roadway, will have two ways with four lanes measuring five metres each and one metre and a half of pavement (each side).

The project is part of road restructuring programme of the country's capital, underway since 2007.

Culture department works to improve carnival

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:09:43 GMT

Angola,

Huambo – The provincial department of Culture in central province of Huambo is working since 2006 to improve the carnival parade to reach the level of Luanda and Benguela provinces, main references in the country.

The information was released to Angop by local director of Culture, Pedro Chissanga, who added that the measure is mainly based on excluding those groups that are not prepared and fail to meet the requirements, including the increase of the prizes every years.

Pedro Chissanga said that his department aims to get support from local businessmen to help groups with basic means.

“Year after year new groups are created and this makes our carnival more competitive” he said.

The source underlined that special attention is paid by the Culture department to groups to improve their choreography, music and increase the number of participants.

The official is also worried about the disappearance of some groups due to lack of sponsor.
This year, 110 groups are enrolled and 34 will participate in the final phase.

Watema theatre group displays "Promessa de Amor"

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:56:51 GMT

Angola,

Luanda - Angolan "Watema" theatre group will show next Saturday in Luanda, the play “Promessa de Amor” or Promise of Love, Angop has learnt.

According to Miguel dos Santos, the theatre's director, the play tells the story of young people who keep relationship despite opposition by the parents.

The play is intended to show the society, especially youth, that when two people have an affair nobody, whoever it is, can intervene to the contrary.