Luanda - The Minister of National Defense, Former Combatants and Veterans of the Homeland, João Ernesto dos Santos, defended Friday the need for a continued commitment to actions leading to economic reintegration of former combatants, with the aim to generate income.
Speaking at the opening of the First Council of Former Combatants and Veterans of the Homeland, the minister said he is aware of the various difficulties, including financial ones that ex-combatants face, and that there is the determination to dignify the freedom fighters, who for years gave their best for the country.
The minister underlined that the economic integration should be made through entrepreneurship and cooperatives that would enable to create conditions to fight against hunger, poverty and reduce social asymmetries.
João dos Santos added that to look after former combatants and veterans of the homeland is a duty of honor for the Angolan State and the society.
The minister called on the other sectors and bodies of the state's central and local administration to include former combatants and veterans of the homeland in their programs for them to be socially dignified.
A differentiated professional and ethical commitment, the minister said, is demanded of all cadres of the sector to contribute to the quest for sustainable solutions to improve social conditions and raise the quality of life of former combatants and veterans of the homeland and their respective families.
The minister added that daily action must take into account the former combatants and veterans of the homeland for the sacrifice and relevant services they paid to the homeland to enable them to enjoy special status and protection of the state, society and under the terms of the Constitution. JFS/VIC/AMP
