UN mission congratulates new Afghan president

The UN mission in Afghanistan Monday welcomed the inauguration of new President Ashraf Ghani and reaffirmed the world body's commitment to cooperate with the national unity government in the country's progress to peace, stability and development.

Ghani was sworn in Monday, marking the first ever peaceful power transition in the history of the conflict-ridden country. Following his swearing-in, Ghani appointed opponent Abdullah Abdullah as chief executive officer of the new Afghan government.

UN secretary-general's special representative for Afghanistan Jan Kubis, who attended the inauguration, said, "both President Ghani and Dr. Abdullah carry the nation's expectations", the UN said in a report posted on its website.

Kubis noted that the many challenges facing the country could only be overcome through unity and statesmanship, Xinhua said citing the website report.

The inauguration follows a political deadlock over a vote in which both Ghani and rival Abdullah claimed victory. A UN-supervised, Afghan Independent Election Commission-run audit followed with more than 22,000 ballot boxes reviewed.

"In addition to wishing both men success in their vital collaboration, I also take this opportunity to reaffirm that the United Nations remains a committed and supportive partner of Afghanistan," Kubis said.

Afghan Foreign Minister Zarar Ahmad Osmani, addressing the annual debate of the UN General Assembly in New York Saturday, said Afghanistan had achieved a "significant milestone" with the conclusion of the presidential election.

He said the country was "on the eve of a transformative decade" with the transfer of security responsibilities from an international coalition force to the Afghan community by the end of this year.