KABUL - As we prepare to mark the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha, I wish all Afghans a peaceful and joyous celebration.

I hope that families around Afghanistan will be able to come together and celebrate Eid in an environment free of fear and violence.

To allow all Afghans to commemorate this auspicious celebration, I urge all parties to demonstrate good will, to respect this time of joy and tolerance and to refrain from violence.

I sincerely hope that the feeling of solidarity marked by this sacred occasion will continue well into the future, leading to success in the ongoing peace process.

The United Nations remains a committed partner and supporter of Afghans in their efforts to achieve stability, prosperity and a lasting peace.

Eid Mubarak.

Tadamichi Yamamoto is the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan and head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).​