Prime Minister announces special status for Cabinda

Angolan prime minister, Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos, has announced that a special status for northern Cabinda province might soon be passed, as part of the efforts seeking the pacification of that part of the national territory. According to the premier, the scenario in view followed the first phase of Government's agenda for pacifying the northern province of Cabinda that, he added, was currently experiencing a situation of "positive and evident" progress. He said as well that the conflict that characterised the relations between Government and the independentist movement (FLEC) in the past, had given in to contacts and dialogue, through the Cabindan Forum, an institution that pools together FLEC and organisations of the civil society of the region. The prime minister who would not add details, said the ongoing pacification process has led the Government into adopting special politico-administrative measures towards granting a special status to the oil-rich Cabinda enclave. (Angola Press Agency, Luanda)