ASADABAD - The vital role of provincial councils in promoting transparency and accountability in local government was stressed at a UN-backed TV debate in Asadabad, the provincial capital of eastern Kunar province.

NEW YORK - It is imperative that avenues for peace be explored with the utmost urgency and seriousness, as conflict diverts resources that would be better spent on developing Afghanistan and helping its people, said Tadamichi Yamamoto, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Represent

BAMYAN - An agreement to establish district-level civil society networks to promote improved transparency and accountability in local governance was the key outcome of a UN-backed workshop in central Bamyan’s Panjab district.