The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) is encouraged by progress on peace in Afghanistan, as most recently signalled by the agreement between the Government of Afghanistan and Hezb-i-Islami Gulbuddin, and the peaceful return of Gulbuddin Hekmatyar to Afghanistan.

Afghan Voice Agency(AVA), UNAMA supports the efforts by Afghanistan’s National Unity Government to engage all those interested in establishing an equitable peace and renouncing violence for good.

The agreement with Hezb-i-Islami Gulbuddin demonstrates the preparedness of Afghanistan’s government to seek peace with armed anti-government elements, and UNAMA looks forward to its full implementation and to other armed actors joining a peace process.

A credible peace process must remain owned and driven by Afghans, who will build a future together.

The UN welcomes agreements that will contribute to a reduction of violence in Afghanistan and allow Afghans to live in peace with each other.

After decades of war in Afghanistan, the UN sees all steps towards reconciliation, inclusive peace and a lasting end to the conflict as positive, but remains mindful of the issues around transitional justice and the importance of upholding human rights.