The UN Security Council has extended the mandate of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) until 17 September 2019, expressing support for the country’s full assumption of its own security, governance and development, consistent with priorities outlined in the Transformation Decade (2015-2024).

Unanimously adopting resolution 2460 (2019) – tabled by Germany and Indonesia – the Council called upon all local and international parties to coordinate with the Mission’s efforts to promote the security and free movement of United Nations personnel throughout Afghanistan.  UNAMA’s mandate will now run until 17 September 2019.

Stressing the critical importance of the Mission’s continued presence, the Council requested that the Secretary-General include an evaluation of its progress towards implementing its mandate in his quarterly reports.

Adela Raz Afghanistan’s permanent representative to the UN underlined her country’s commitment to taking charge of its own destiny, a struggle long supported by the Council.

 While the adoption of today’s resolution allows UNAMA to continue its mandated activities, she said, it is nevertheless regrettable that the nature of negotiations on the draft led to divergence among Council members and ultimately to a mandate extension of only six months.  “Afghanistan stands at a critical juncture,” she emphasized, citing the approaching presidential election to be held in July. 

 The country is committed to ensuring a credible and transparent electoral process that will mark yet another important step forward, she said, adding that the government is working towards an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace process focused on enhancing development, governance, the rule of law and the promotion of human rights.  “We expect the Security Council to remain firmly engaged in our stabilization efforts in the way forward,” she stressed.

Jonathan R. Cohen (United States) expressed strong support for UNAMA’s role in the peace process, electoral reforms, and coordination of international assistance, citing the intense diplomatic engagement of his country’s special envoy.  

He said he was, therefore, deeply disappointed that the Council was unable to renew UNAMA’s mandate for a year as China held it hostage and insisted on making it about Chinese political priorities, thereby forcing a technical rollover. 

National initiatives cannot be allowed to derail negotiations on international peace and security issues, he emphasized. 

 China’s Belt and Road Initiative suffers corruption and lack of transparency, he said, adding that he looks looked forward to a more complete resolution that would extend UNAMA’s mandate for a longer period. 

He also expressed hope that China will focus on how best to advance peace and security, rather than inappropriately promoting self-serving issues.

However, Wu Haitao (China) said that noting that UNAMA’s mandate remains unchanged, adding that his delegation made reasonable suggestions on reconstruction, the fight against terrorism, reconciliation and regional cooperation.  

China supports a technical rollover, but only as a temporary arrangement, he emphasized. 

Describing comments by the representative of the United States on China’s Belt and Road Initiative as “at variance with the facts”, he said the framework has been widely welcomed in the six years since its launch, with more than 123 countries having signed cooperation agreements.