21 March 2013
UN Security Council extended mission in Afghanistan and called for continued support
The UN Security Council extended the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) for another year, until 19 March 2014. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged for continued UN support to the Afghan government up to and beyond the 2014 deadline for the assumption of full responsibility of governance, security and development in most areas.
In the resolution, the Council “stresses the critical importance of a continued presence of UNAMA and other United Nations agencies, funds and programmes in the provinces, consistent with the transition process, in support of and in cooperation with the Afghan Government.”
The withdrawal of most of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and United States troops from Afghanistan is planned to be completed by the end of 2014. A transition of responsibility for security in the state from the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) to Afghan forces is underway.
Source: UN News Centre | Afghanistan: Security Council extends mission amid calls for continued UN support
Source: UN Secretary-General | Latest Statements | New York, 19 March 2013 - Secretary-General's remarks to the Security Council Debate on Afghanistan