Brussels, 29/09/2014 (Agence Europe) -Speaking on behalf of the European Union on Monday 29 September, President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy and his counterpart at the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, congratulated the new Afghan President, Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai, and the Chief Executive Officer of the new Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Abdullah Abdullah following the presidential elections on 14 June. In a joint press statement, they stated: “We trust that all Afghans will unite in addressing the important economic and security challenges”. They declared: “We are committed to working closely with you and the new Afghan government to implement urgently needed political and economic reforms, strengthen the rule of law and foster full respect for human rights, in particular the rights of women and girls”. They added that the EU would pursue its long-term commitment, “to assist the people of Afghanistan on the path towards peace and prosperity”. They also stated that the EU “looks forward to further consolidating cooperation, partnership and friendship with the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan”.
Ghani's investiture was on 29 September, following three months of political crisis as both Ghani and Abdullah claimed to have won the presidential election. Following international pressure, they agreed to form a government of national unity (see EUROPE 11160). (CG)