G8 Foreign Ministers' Declaration on the Presidential Election in Afghanistan
03/11/2009
“We, the G8 Foreign Ministers, welcome the conclusion of Afghanistan’s self managed election process with the formal decision by Afghanistan’s Independent Electoral Commission”.
Those are the opening words of a statement issued by the G8 member countries' foreign ministers in response to a decision taken by the Afghan election committee to cancel the runoff in the presidential election. The runoff, which was initially slated for 7 November, was cancelled following a decision by one of the two candidates to withdraw from the race.
In the communique, the G8 ministers congratulate the Afghan people and President Hamid Karzai for his confirmation in office. The ministers "congratulate as well all the Presidential candidates for a campaign that addressed key issues and challenges for Afghanistan and its people" facing Afghanistan and its citizens.
The declaration goes on: "The present outcome provides a new opportunity for peaceful, effective and productive cooperation among all the political and social components of the Afghan society while paving the way to a new season of common work under the United Nations’ leading role, with the members of the international community, including all those relevant for the stability in the entire region".
The G8 member countries' foreign ministers go on to encourage President Karzai to "to rapidly form an effective, qualified and credible new government" which must focus on the construction and implementation of the state and of local governance, on promoting legality, justice and human rights, and on restoring security and stability. "To this end", the joint declaration continues, "we reaffirm our determination to support the people and the leadership of Afghanistan in their efforts by fighting together against terrorism and illicit narcotics", as well as in promoting a good system of governance capable of addressing Afghanistan's serious social and economic problems.
Documents:
Statement of G8 Foreign Ministers on Afghanistan Presidential Elections
