The President of Angola, Jose Eduardo Dos Santos, has praised the success of United Nations sanctions against the rebel UNITA movement.

In his annual speech to members of the diplomatic corps in Luanda, President Dos Santos said friendship, solidarity and understanding had characterised the policies of foreign governments towards Angola.

The speech came a day after the head of the UN sanctions committee on Angola Robert Fowler said he was convinced that sanctions on UNITA had decreased the movement's ability to wage war.

The BBC correspondent in Angola said the president's speech was very upbeat and reflected his optimism on the outcome of the war with UNITA-- a sentiment which she said is apparently shared by the international community.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service