26 January 2012 - UN supports Afghan led peace talks - Ján Kubiš; the second phase of transition implemented in Balkh; Islamabad wants to boost ties with Kabul and discuss regional affairs; Kabul to sign strategic pact with Paris on Thursday – GMIC; Secrete talks with the Taliban should not end to a factional and regional division of the country, warns Balkh governor; UNAMA chief stresses Afghan-led peace drive; Karzai flies to Europe to sign strategic partnership agreements; 40 insurgents renounce violence in Baghlan; opium seized in Kandahar. Read archived headlines from 2012/2011.

25 January 2012 - First of all, I would like to thank you very much for coming to this first press conference of myself as the new head of UNAMA (United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan) and the new Special Representative of the Secretary-General. Print English

25 January 2012 - Ján Kubiš, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan, today held his first press conference in Kabul stressing continued “Afghan-led, Afghan-owned” efforts in the country’s political, economic and social development, and noted some of his early priorities for the United Nations presence in the country.

24 January 2012 - The United Nations launched a new web portal today focusing on helping girls and women access job opportunities, training and career advice in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector. UN News Centre

24 January 2012 – Today, UNODC and the Government of Japan signed a $9 million grant agreement to build capacity in the criminal justice sector of Balkh, Bamyan and Herat provinces, in support of the Government of Afghanistan’s effort to strengthen the rule of law in the country. The signing ceremony was hosted by the Ministry of Justice and the project was signed by Ms. Ashita Mittal, Deputy Representative of UNODC Afghanistan and Mr. Seiji Okada, Charge d’Affaires ad interim of Japan, in the presence of the Acting Minister Mr. Sayed Yonsuf Halim. Print English - Dari - Pashto