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| Updated: 21-Sep-2005 | NATO Press Releases |
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Press Release (2005)111 18 Sep. 2005 |
Statement by the NATO Secretary General on
On behalf of the Alliance, today I offer my congratulations to the Afghan people, its Government and all those involved in preparing and executing the first democratic parliamentary elections in Afghanistan for 30 years. The successful execution of the National and Provincial Council Elections marks another major step on Afghanistan’s road to recovery, peace and stability. Millions of brave Afghan men and women have today grasped the opportunity to exercise that most fundamental of human rights; to choose freely their political representatives. Afghanistan has sent a loud and clear message to the world that with the determination, enthusiasm and confidence of its people, it will continue along the path to democracy, despite continuing challenges. I also want to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the many thousands of Afghan and international election workers who have toiled over recent months on this tremendously challenging enterprise. The Afghan authorities have led this process and the Alliance has been proud to play a supporting role. I thank the men and women of NATO forces serving in Afghanistan, the NATO nations and ISAF leadership for the contribution they have made in assisting the Afghan National Army and Police in providing the secure conditions for this great event. Finally, I want to reaffirm the Alliance’s commitment to this country and wish success upon those that have been chosen in today’s elections as they take up the parliamentary challenge at the National and Provincial level. NATO, together with the UN, the EU, the G-8 and other international actors will continue to support the Government of Afghanistan and assist it in addressing the needs of the Afghan people. |
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