UN extends NATO-led force in Afghanistan for a year and welcomes 2014 transfer to government

UNITED NATIONS – The U.N. Security Council has extended authorization for the NATO-led force in Afghanistan for a year and welcomed the agreement to gradually transfer full responsibility for security in the country to the Afghan government by the end of 2014.

A resolution adopted unanimously by the council on Tuesday welcomes the government's "strong commitment" to develop a national security force under civilian leadership that can contribute to the region's security by stabilizing the situation in Afghanistan.

The council acknowledged that progress has been made in reforming Afghanistan's security sector but said many challenges remain.