Luanda — Angolan head of State, José Eduardo dos Santos, Friday in Luanda expressed deep regret and sorrow at the death of Holden Roberto, leader of the National Liberation Front (FNLA) on Thursday of disease.

According to a press release from the president's supporting office that reached Angop, Jose Eduardo dos Santos pays a homage to Holden Roberto, considering him "as key figure in the contemporaneous history of Angola", reads the message.

"Holden Roberto was one of the pioneers of national liberation struggle, whose name encouraged a generation of Angolans to opt for resistance and combat for the country's independence", added the letter of the Angolan head of State.

On the other hand, according a to the source, José Eduardo dos Santos released a decree appointing a commission to arrange for a funeral ceremony of Holden Roberto.

Led by Territory Administration minister, Virgílio de Fontes Pereira, the commission comprises representatives of the ministries of National Defence, Health, Justice, Home Affairs, Finances, Transports and opposition FNLA.

Born in 1924, in northern Zaire province, Holden Roberto founded the Angola's National Liberation Front in 1962, and was the organisation's president to the date of his death. He was also a member of the Council of the Republic, a consultation organ to the head of State.