Today the Security Council under the presidency of Nigeria voted unanimously to adopt resolution 2011 (2011) to extend the mandate of International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan for another year, up to the 13^th of October 2012.

By the terms of the resolution, the UNSC welcomed the transfer of lead security responsibility to the Afghan Government by the end of 2014 through a process of strengthening the effectiveness, professionalism and accountability of the Afghan National Army and Police which started in July 2011. The Council urged United Nations Member States to contribute personnel, equipment and other resources to ISAF, and to continue to support security and stability in Afghanistan.

The Council also took the opportunity to express their concern over the ongoing violence fueled by the Taliban, Al-Qaida and other illegal armed groups and especially the high civilian toll that these groups have caused, specifically against Afghan women and children.

Additionally, they welcomed the Enduring Partnership Declaration agreed upon by North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the Afghan Government in Lisbon in November 2010, which involves sustained support for security throughout the transition process.

Ambassador Zahir Tanin, Permanent Representative of Afghanistan joined the Security Council in this annual meeting. The mandate’s unanimous adoption is a strong display of the continued support for Afghanistan and its people from the international community.

United Nation Security Council Press release