U-S Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Walter Kansteiner says Angola needs to move towards more open economic policies to improve it's shattered economy.
Mr. Kansteiner said Angola, which is the sixth largest oil supplier to the United States, appears to be hiding some of its revenues.
It is widely believed Angola's oil revenue has helped fund its 27-year old civil war, leaving the economy in shambles.
Mr. Kansteiner praised last week's signing of a cease-fire between the government and the UNITA rebel movement, saying he thinks there is a chance for peace because, in his words, "Angolans brought it together on their own initiative."
Mr. Kansteiner comments came in an interview with the Reuters News Agency in Johannesburg, South Africa. He is on a three-nation tour to promote foreign investment opportunities throughout Africa.
(Kansteiner comments, State Dpt., Reuters, Port. to Africa service)