UN mission in Afghanistan condemns assassination of peace council member

(14 May, 2012) The United Nations mission in Afghanistan has condemned Sunday’s assassination of a senior member of the country's High Peace Council, and stated its continued commitment to supporting the locally-led peace and reconciliation process. Arsala Rahmani, who was a senator in Parliament, was killed by a gunman in car. The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) sent its condolences to Rahmani's family, noting that he had worked hard to promote peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan since his appointment as a Senator in 2005. “UNAMA strongly believes that such an attack will not affect the courage and dedication of the High Peace Council members and others to continue their efforts to make peaceful reconciliation process a reality,” the mission said in a press release. Rahmani’s killing follows last year's assassination of former president Burhanuddin Rabbani, who was then serving as Chairman of the High Peace Council in Afghanistan