Brussels, 22/09/2014 (Agence Europe) - On 21 September, the European Union welcomed the political agreement reached between Dr. Abdullah Abdullah and Dr. Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai to form a government of national unity. The spokesman for the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton, stated in a press release that “this agreement brings the two leading candidates (in the presidential elections, Ed) and their supporters together in ensuring a peaceful transition in the interest of all Afghans”. He also explained that “it is now time for all Afghans to unite in facing Afghanistan's severe economic and security challenges” and added “we look forward to cooperating closely with the new Afghan government to implement urgently the reforms needed on a path towards prosperity and peace”.
In addition to the conclusion of an agreement for forming a government of national unity on 21 September, the electoral commission stated on the same day that Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai was the winner of the presidential elections on 5 April and 14 June. Both Ghani Ahmadzai and Abdullah had declared themselves the winners of these elections and had accused each other of fraud (see EUROPE 11118).
Ghani Ahmadzai, a 65-year-old economist and Minister for Finance between 2002-2004, will take over from Hamid Karzai, who has led the country since the end of 2001. Abdullah will occupy functions similar to those of a prime minister. (CG)