Obama congratulates Afghans on historic elections

Washington, April 6: US President Barack Obama has congratulated people of Afghanistan on the historic elections which he said promise to usher in the first democratic transfer of power in the war-ravaged country.

"On behalf of the American people, I congratulate the millions of Afghans who enthusiastically participated in the historic elections, which promise to usher in the first democratic transfer of power in Afghanistan's history," Obama said in a statement yesterday.

"The elections represent another important milestone in Afghans taking full responsibility for their country as the United States and our partners draw down our forces," Obama said.

A day after millions of Afghans exercised their franchise for Presidential elections defying the Taliban threat, Obama commended the Afghan people, security forces, and elections officials on the turnout for voters, which he said "is in keeping with the spirited and positive debate among candidates and their supporters in the run-up to the election."

"These elections are critical to securing Afghanistan's democratic future, as well as continued international support," Obama said.

"We look to the Afghan electoral bodies to carry out their duties in the coming weeks to adjudicate the results –- knowing that the most critical voices on the outcome are those of Afghans themselves," he said.

Obama also paid tributes to the many Americans –- military and civilian –- who have sacrificed so much to support the Afghan people as they take responsibility for their own future.

"The US continues to support a sovereign, stable, unified, and democratic Afghanistan, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with the new government chosen by the Afghan people on the basis of mutual respect and mutual accountability," the US President said.

PTI