Result delay harming economy, security: Karzai

KABUL (Pajhwok): President Hamid Karzai on Friday underlined for the early completion of the ongoing audit of votes cast in the presidential elections.

During a meeting with US Secretary of State John Kerry at the Presidential Palace, Karzai stressed the ballot audit must come to an end as soon as possible.  

None of the two leaders, looking dismal, spoke to journalists, as they entered the meeting behind closed doors. Hours earlier, Kerry urged the presidential candidates to speed implementation of the agreement on the vote audit and formation of a national unity government.  

Karzai said in a statement from his office the people of Afghanistan, while awaiting the election outcome, wanted to see a new president inaugurated soon.

He added the delay in result announcement had been having a negative impact on the country’s economy and governance, as well as the security situation. The presence of terrorists and attacks on civilians had lately increased, he argued.

For his part, Kerry voiced his satisfaction with the process, saying the vote audit would be completed and the election result announced on schedule.

President Barrack Obama’s point arrived in Kabul on Thursday evening to help resolve issues related to the disputed presidential election and shore up the electoral deal he brokered last month.

Following his unannounced arrival, the secretary met Dr. Abdullah Abdullah and Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai at the US Embassy last night. He was scheduled to meet the runners for a second round of talks later on Friday. 

Karzai said a day earlier the election result must be announced within the agreed timeline. Karzai issued the call during a meeting with UNAMA head Ján Kubiš.

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