Obama warns against extra-constitutional steps

WASHINGTON (Pajhwok): Urging calm and dialogue, US President Barack Obama on Tuesday called presidential candidate Dr Abdullah Abdullah and cautioned him that any extra-constitutional measures would cost Afghanistan America’s financial and security assistance.

“Building on the outreach that Secretary (of State John) Kerry has made in recent days to both candidates, the president spoke last night to Dr. Abdullah as part of our ongoing efforts to engage the candidates, to call for calm and dialogue,” the National Security Council (NSC) spokesperson said.

Caitlin Hayden told Pajhwok Afghan News Obama had made clear the US expected a thorough review of all reasonable allegations of fraud and that there was no justification for resorting to violent or extra-constitutional measures.

“We’ve been clear that any such move would cost Afghanistan the financial and security assistance of the United States,” Hayden said, adding that serious allegations of fraud had been raised and had yet to be adequately investigated. 

“We reiterate that the preliminary results are not final or authoritative and may not predict the final outcome, which could still change based on the findings of the Afghan electoral bodies. We continue to urge the candidates to maintain calm among their supporters,” Hayden said.

mud

Visits: 0