Karzai backs UN role in resolving election crisis

KABUL (Pajhwok): Differences during the election process are a natural phenomenon, but addressing candidates’ demands in accordance with the relevant law is the job of the two commissions, President Hamid Karzai said on Friday.

Calling the presidential runners Afghanistan’s leading political figures, Karzai said: “We have two respectable candidates in the second round of the election. We have to recognize both because they are leading personalities.”

Chairing a meeting of the Afghanistan Ulema Council at the Presidential Palace in the afternoon, he referred to Dr. Abdullah’s suggestion about a UN role in addressing the issue of alleged electoral fraud.

A statement from his office quoted the president as supporting the proposal and describing it as a good step toward resolving the problem. “I very much appreciate an initiative that helps resolve this question.”

Negotiations between the two teams and the vice-presidents could be another way of dealing with the problem, he believed. The president said it was for the candidates to exercise one of two options and his government would support such a move.

Karzai expressed satisfaction with the current situation. “There is calm across the country and things are moving well. The dispute over the election process could be settled either through negotiations or with UN’s help, as desired by the two sides.”

He also mentioned recent developments in the region and the reconciliation campaign in Afghanistan. Regarding Islamabad’s request for cooperation with the Waziristan offensive, he said: “The Pakistan prime minister himself has sought Afghanistan’s support.

“I have assured him of all possible help against terrorism, but stressed innocent civilians should not be harmed during the operation,” the statement quoted Karzai as saying. 

He told a Pakistani delegation that recently visited Kabul: “If this operation is really against all terrorist groups, we are ready to support you. In this regard, a clear and viable roadmap outlining our joint responsibilities should be prepared…”    

A high-level Afghan delegation would travel to Pakistan for talks on cooperation in the fight against terrorism, the president said, without giving any date. He also pledged all possible assistance to the Pakistani refugees from Waziristan.

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