Luanda — The celebration ceremony of the World Habitat Day, being marked under the theme "Harmonious Cities", happened this Monday at Talatona Conventions Centre, in Luanda, in the presence of the Angolan Head of State, José Eduardo dos Santos.

At the occasion, the President of the Republic expressed satisfaction at UN's recognition taking into account the philosophy and strategy of the Angolan government in its executive housing programme, for the 2008/2012 period, aimed at granting better shelter conditions for everyone, progressively, in a healthier environment.

The pointed out the need of promoting an strict and broad environmental policy, which gives privilege to education and sensitisation, the combat to urban chaos and the implementation of programmes that generate jobs, for the harmonious development of urban centres, eradication of poverty and insecurity in degraded and suburban areas.

On his turn, the under-secretary-general of the United Nations and the executive director of this organisation's Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT), the Tanzanian Anna Tibaijuka praised the engagement of the Angolan Statesman for the improvement of the population's living standards, in general, and, of housing, in particular.

She said that with his presence the Angolan President recognised the main event.

Angola's Urbanisation and Housing minister, Diakumpuna Sita José, stressed his sector's engagement in mobilising and sensitising the society with view to strengthen the collective thinking for the construction of harmonious cities.

In her welcoming message, the minister without portfolio and governor of Luanda, Francisca De Espírito Santos, urged visitors to feel at home in the country's capital city.

She considered prestigious the choosing of the Angolan capital to host the World Habitat Day celebrations of 2008.