Following two years of intense negotiations, the Afghan government and one of the country's largest militant groups Hizb-e-Islami finally clinched a ground-breaking peace deal on Thursday, a move which has drawn widespread reaction from the Afghan political elite and the international community.
In response to the deal, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said in a statement on Thursday that it was encouraged by the signing of the peace agreement.
"UNAMA supports the efforts by Afghanistan's National Unity Government to engage all those interested in establishing an equitable peace. This agreement demonstrates the preparedness of Afghanistan's government to seek peace with armed anti-government elements. A credible peace process must remain owned and driven by Afghans," UNAMA said in the statement.
The UNAMA mission further noted that it welcomed agreements that contribute to curbing the scale of violence in Afghanistan and allow Afghans to live in peace.
"The UN welcomes agreements that will contribute to a lessening of violence in Afghanistan and allow Afghans to live in peace. After decades of war in Afghanistan we welcome steps towards reconciliation, inclusive peace and a lasting end to the conflict," the statement concluded.
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