KABUL - The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) welcomes today’s approval of 16 ministers to the country’s national unity Government by lawmakers in Afghanistan’s Wolesi Jirga, or lower house of the National Assembly.

 “It is imperative in the interests of effective governance that a full cabinet be in office and today’s approvals are vitally important,” said Nicholas Haysom, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan and head of UNAMA. “The United Nations congratulates the ministers-designate and looks forward to working with them, supporting both them and the government in its important work ahead.”

The Special Representative urged that the Minister of Defence and other outstanding senior governmental and judicial positions be filled at the earliest time in order for the government to be at its full strength.

“No one said it was going to be easy,” said Haysom, referring to the process of the formation of the national unity Government, “but today is an important step forward, providing a real opportunity for fresh momentum and a refocusing on the many serious challenges facing the country. We would hope that this confirmation will give impetus to finalizing other outstanding appointments in a spirit of mutual cooperation.”