United Nations in Afghanistan congratulates President Ghani on inauguration
29 September 2014 – The United Nations in Afghanistan today welcomed the inauguration of new President Ashraf Ghani and reaffirmed the Organization's commitment to cooperate with the national unity government in the country's progress to peace, stability and development.
Following Mr. Ghani's swearing-in, the new President appointed his former political rival, Abdullah Abdullah, as Chief Executive Officer of the new Government.
"Both President Ghani and Dr. Abdullah carry the nation's expectations," said the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Afghanistan, Ján Kubiš.
He attended the inauguration accompanied, along with the current Deputy Special Representative and the Secretary-General's Special Representative-designate, Nicholas Haysom.
Mr. Kubiš noted that the many challenges facing the country can only be overcome through unity and statesmanship.
The inauguration follows a political deadlock that set in after the 14 June presidential run-off.
A UN-supervised, Afghan Independent Election Commission (IEC)-run audit followed with more than 22,000 ballot boxes reviewed.
"In addition to wishing both men success in their vital collaboration, I also take this opportunity to reaffirm that the United Nations remains a committed and supportive partner of Afghanistan," Mr. Kubiš added.
On Saturday, Afghan Foreign Minister Zarar Ahmad Osmani addressed the annual UN General Assembly high-level debate in New York.
He said that Afghanistan had achieved a "significant milestone" with the conclusion of the presidential election, and that the country was "on the eve of a transformative decade" with the transfer of security responsibilities from an international coalition force to the Afghan community by the end of this year.
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