Agreement to Inaugurate Parliament

January 25, 2011

The United States shares the views of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan and welcomes the understanding reached between the Parliament and President Karzai to inaugurate the National Assembly on January 26.

After a healthy and constructive debate between Afghan institutions, the outcome ultimately reached demonstrates respect for democratic governance and for the separation of powers set forth in the Afghan Constitution.  The outcome of these discussions also recognizes the importance of the timely seating of the nation’s parliamentarians so they can begin their vital work of serving the Afghan people. 

We support the resolution to inaugurate the Parliament tomorrow in the presence of the President. Ambassador Eikenberry plans to attend the opening of the National Assembly, along with other members of the international community.

While the United States welcomes today’s outcome, we will continue to closely monitor this situation.  We look forward to continuing to work in partnership with the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan as the executive, legislative and judicial branches carry out their respective functions under Afghan law.

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