G8 Foreign Ministers Issue Statement on Afghan Elections
The G8 foreign ministers have issued a joint declaration, published by the Italian presidency, voicing their satisfaction over the handling of the elections in Afghanistan and urging "all of the parties involved to await the release of the official results with patience and moderation". The G8 foreign ministers added that they are confident "that all the people of Afghanistan will continue to work together in the interests of their country".
The ministers stated that "the G8 group will support the new president and the new provincial councils, once they have been elected, in their effort to ensure security, justice, good government and economic opportunity for their people." Deploring the "insurgents' attempt to intimidate the electorate and to prevent the election from being held", the G8 foreign ministers voiced their appreciation for the Afghan authorities, who shouldered "the responsibility for organizing and conducting" the election. They also praised the courage and determination of the Afghan people who ignored the insurgents' threats "and exercised their right to choose their own national and provincial representatives".
In conclusion, the ministers offered their "deepest condolences to those Afghans and members of the international security forces who have paid the highest price of all in their defence of the Afghan people".
Documents:
- G8 Foreign Ministers' Statement on the Elections in Afghanistan
