KABUL - As Afghanistan prepares to mark the holy month of Ramadan, I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate its people and Government and wish them peace and happiness throughout the coming days.

Afghanistan has endured more than three decades of violence and is undergoing a political and security transition which is vital to its future development – I take the opportunity to also call upon all parties to the conflict to respect the sanctity of this month and allow Afghan families to worship and celebrate in peace.

Along with the United Nations family in the country, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) continues to stand with the people of Afghanistan in their quest for security, stability and prosperity.

An Afghanistan at peace with itself would at long last respond to its peoples’ hopes of better lives for themselves and their children. I sincerely hope that the occasion of this Ramadan, observed in a spirit of peace and compassion, can, in its own way, help pave the way for this long-cherished goal.