22 March 2011 – Today the United Nations Security Council extended the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission to Afghanistan (UNAMA) until 23 March 2012 by unanimously adopting resolution 1974 (2011).

Resolution 1974 reaffirms the Council’s continued support for the people and Government of Afghanistan in the effort to achieve lasting peace, security and stability. It also underscores the importance of transition to Afghan ownership and leadership, a process that officially began yesterday and will continue through 2014.

The resolution also underscores the importance of a “One UN Approach,” in which all UN agencies, funds and programs are streamlined to achieve greater coherence, coordination and efficiency of development assistance.

In his statement after the vote, Zahir Tanin, Permanent Representative of Afghanistan, welcomed the adoption of resolution 1974 as an important step in strengthening Afghanistan’s partnership with the UN and the international community.  He recognized the contribution that the UN and other international partners have made toward peace, security, and stability in Afghanistan, and further emphasized the crucial role they will continue to play through the process of transition and beyond.

Ambassador Tanin also acknowledged appreciation for the up-coming review of the UN’s mandate and support before the end of 2011, stressing that it would “further improve the effectiveness of the UN’s role in Afghanistan.”

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