Paet: Honest Elections Positive Step Towards Stability in Afghanistan

21.08.2009

Foreign Minister Urmas Paet congratulated the people of Afghanistan on the presidential and provincial council elections that were carried out by the state authorities on 20 August. The last elections in Afghanistan that were carried out by state authorities took place 30 years ago.

Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Paet stated that yesterday’s elections in Afghanistan are one of the most important milestones for further development in the country. “The organisation of state-wide elections in such a complicated situation indicates the firm desire of the Afghan people to build up their own state. It is important that people in Afghanistan wanted to vote, went to vote, and did not allow themselves to be frightened by Taliban threats,” asserted the foreign minister. “Honest and trusted elections are a positive step towards greater stability and sustainable development in Afghanistan,” he added.

Foreign Minister Urmas Paet also condemned the activities of the Islamist movement Taliban and terrorist network Al-Qaeda, which were intended to disrupt the elections with violence and terrorism. “These attacks were directed towards Afghans to hinder the citizens of the nation from using their democratic right to participate in the formation of their country’s future,” stated Paet. The foreign minister emphasised the essential role of the Afghan National Security Force (ANSF) as well as co-operation with allied forces in ensuring the security of the elections.

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