The Security Council,

Reaffirming its resolution 696 (1991) of 30 May 1991 and all subsequent relevant resolutions,

Expressing its firm commitment to preserve the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Angola,

Having considered with appreciation the report of the Secretary-General of 12 January 1998 (S/1998/17),

Welcoming the timetable approved by the Joint Commission on 9 January 1998 (S/1998/56), according to which the Government of Angola and the União Nacional para a Independência Total de Angola (UNITA) agreed to complete the remaining tasks of the Lusaka Protocol (S/1994/1441, annex) by the end of February 1998,

Recognizing the important role of the United Nations Observer Mission in Angola (MONUA) at this critical stage of the peace process,

1. Stresses the urgent need for the Government of Angola and in particular UNITA to complete in accordance with the timetable approved by the Joint Commission on 9 January 1998 the implementation of their obligations under the Lusaka Protocol as well as to complete the implementation of their obligations under the "Acordos de Paz" (S/22609, annex), and relevant Security Council resolutions;

2. Decides to extend the mandate of MONUA, including the military task force as outlined in paragraphs 35 and 36 of the report of the Secretary-General of 12 January 1998, until 30 April 1998;

3. Requests the Secretary-General to submit no later than 13 March 1998 a comprehensive report, which would also incorporate the report requested in paragraph 7 of resolution 1135 (1997), on the situation in Angola, especially in regard to the implementation of the timetable approved by the Joint Commission, with recommendations regarding the possible reconfiguration before 30 April 1998 of the components of MONUA, referred to in section VII of the report of the Secretary-General of 12 January 1998, as well as preliminary recommendations regarding the United Nations presence in Angola after 30 April 1998;

4. Stresses the importance of strengthening the rule of law, including the full protection of all Angolan citizens throughout the national territory;

5. Requests the Government of Angola, in cooperation with MONUA, to take appropriate steps, including through its integrated National Police and Armed Forces, to ensure an environment of confidence and safety in which the United Nations and humanitarian personnel may carry out their activities;

6. Calls upon the Government of Angola and in particular UNITA to refrain from any action which might undermine the process of normalization of State administration or lead to renewed tensions;

7. Demands that the Government of Angola and in particular UNITA cooperate fully with MONUA, including by providing full access for its verification activities, and reiterates its call on the Government of Angola to notify MONUA in a timely manner of its troop movements, in accordance with the provisions of the Lusaka Protocol and established procedures;

8. Reaffirms its readiness to review the measures specified in paragraph 4 of resolution 1127 (1997) or to consider the imposition of additional measures in accordance with paragraphs 8 and 9 of resolution 1127 (1997) and on the basis of the report referred to in paragraph 3 above;

9. Reiterates its belief that a meeting between the President of the Republic of Angola and the leader of UNITA could facilitate the process of peace and national reconciliation;

10. Urges the international community to provide assistance to facilitate the demobilization and social reintegration of ex-combatants, demining, the resettlement of displaced persons and the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the Angolan economy in order to consolidate the gains in the peace process;

11. Endorses the recommendation of the Secretary-General that his Special Representative continue to chair the Joint Commission, as established under the Lusaka Protocol, which has proved to be a vital mechanism for the advancement of the peace process;

12. Expresses its appreciation to the Secretary-General, his Special Representative and the personnel of MONUA for assisting the Government of Angola and UNITA to implement the peace process;

13. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.