published and have entered into force in the international legal system, for as long as they are internationally binding upon the Angolan state. Article 14 (Private property and free initiative) The state shall respect and protect the private property of individuals and corporate bodies and free economic and entrepreneurial initiatives exercised within the terms of the Constitution and the law. Article 15 (Land) 1. Land, which is by origin the property of the state, may be transferred to individuals or corporate bodies, with a view to its rational and full use, under the terms of the Constitution and the law. 2. Access to and use of land by local communities shall be recognised by law. 3. The provisions contained in the previous points do not compromise the possibility of expropriation for public use, with just compensation, under the terms of the law. Article 16 (Natural resources) The solid, liquid and gaseous natural resources existing in the soil and subsoil, in territorial waters, in the exclusive economic zone and in the continental shelf under the jurisdiction of Angola shall be the property of the state, which shall determine the conditions for concessions, surveys and exploitation, under the terms of the Constitution, the law and international law. Article 17 (Political parties) 1. Within the framework of the Constitution and the law, political parties shall compete on the basis of a project for society and a political programme for the organisation and expression of the will of citizens, participating in political life and universal suffrage by democratic and peaceful means and respecting the principles of national independence, national unity and political democracy. 2. The constitution and functioning of political parties must, in accordance with law, respect the following fundamental principles: a) National character and scope; 8/93 www.comissaoconstitucional.ao