Rob Watson reports from the UN

The Council said it held Mr Savimbi personally responsible for the safety of 14 UN peacekeepers who have been unable to leave two Unita controlled towns - in one of those towns, Bailundo, there are now reports of government air raids.

The Council demanded the "immediate and unconditional" departure of the peacekeepers and reiterated their view that "the primary responsibility for the deterioration in the peace process lies with the leadership of Unita in Bailundo."

Even where fighting has stopped, landmines continue to claim victims

Only a few days ago the Council renewed the mandate of the UN's peacekeeping force in Angola for another three months, despite fears that the peace process it's supposed to be promoting is in deep trouble.

The BBC's UN Correspondent, Rob Watson,says the peace process has been stalled for months now, with most diplomats blaming Dr Jonas Savimbi and his rebel movement, UNITA.

They say Dr Savimbi has refused to hand over rebel-held territory to government control and has instead opted for re-arming his forces.

The holding of Friday's emergency session reflects UN concern that Angola may be on the verge of sliding back into full-scale civil war.