The Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution Thursday extending for an extra 12 months the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).

The decision allowed the UN mission to continue providing political and strategic guidance to the Afghan leadership and its international partners as they embark on the ambitious next phase of rebuilding Afghanistan.

In the resolution, the council called on all Afghan parties and groups to engage constructively in the peaceful political development of the country and avoid resorting to violence.

The 15-nation council reiterated its call on the Afghan government, and on all members of the international community and international organizations, to implement the Afghanistan Compact -- a five-year framework for the country's development.

The plan was adopted at an international meeting in London at the end of January to help consolidate democratic institutions, curb insecurity, control the illegal drug trade, stimulate the economy, enforce the law, provide basic services to the Afghan people and protect their human rights.

The United Nations established UNAMA in March 2002 to help Afghanistan rebuild after decades of destructive civil war. The mission currently has more than 200 staff members.

(Xinhua News Agency March 24, 2006)