The United Nations mission in Afghanistan announced?yesterday that it has set up a group of experts to support the crucial work of a newly-formed council tasked with finding ways to ensure lasting peace in the country.

The expert body, known as the Salaam Support Group, will be available to the High Peace Council to support all aspects of its work, Staffan de Mistura, the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Afghanistan, said in a statement following “useful and constructive” discussions between the UN and the Council.

“We commended the establishment of the High Peace Council, and indicated the United Nations availability, on behalf of the international community, to support the Council technically in their future work and activities,” said Mr. de Mistura, who heads the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).

The Mission also indicated its willingness to provide logistical support for the activities of the Council, which was inaugurated by President Hamid Karzai earlier this month.

“UNAMA's support to the High Peace Council is consistent with its Security Council mandate to assist the Government and the people of Afghanistan in laying the foundations for sustainable peace and development,” noted the Special Representative.

“This mandate includes the role of assisting national reconciliation and encouraging regional dialogue and engagement aimed at achieving and sustaining peace.”