27 January 2011

Inauguration of Afghan Parliament a “Significant Milestone”

The U.S. welcomed the inauguration of Afghanistan's parliament, saying it is "an extremely important moment" for Afghans who bravely voted in the September 2010 elections.

Washington — The Obama administration says the opening of Afghanistan’s parliament is “a significant milestone” for the country’s democracy and its people and that constructive debate and cooperation between President Hamid Karzai and the Afghan legislature demonstrate their commitment to ensuring that the will of constituents is carried out and  “democratic principles are prioritized.”

The Afghan parliament opened on January 26 in Kabul.

“The seating of parliament is a significant milestone in the progression of Afghanistan’s democracy and an extremely important moment for Afghans who bravely cast their votes last September,” National Security Council spokesman Mike Hammer said in a January 26 statement.

The elections, which were held in September 2010, were the first Afghan-led voting since the fall of the Taliban in 2001. Approximately 5 million voters participated to elect members to the Wolesi Jerga, Afghanistan’s 249-member lower house of parliament.

Saying the Obama administration welcomes the inauguration of the parliament, Hammer said the United States “joins the Afghan people in celebrating today’s achievement and we encourage the Afghans to begin an inclusive dialogue on electoral reform.”

State Department spokesman Philip J. Crowley commended Afghan voters “who have steadfastly and courageously supported peace and democracy despite tremendous challenges,” in a January 26 statement.

“We look forward to supporting the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan as the executive, legislative, and judicial branches work together to advance the priorities of the Afghan people,” Crowley said. 

(This is a product of the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://www.america.gov)