OREANDA-NEWS. November 03, 2009. The Independent Election Commission of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan on November 2 announced cancellation of the second round of presidential elections, declaring the incumbent President Hamid Karzai the winner.

Russia has received with satisfaction the news of the conclusion of the Afghan election process opening the way for the formation of a new national government which faces considerable challenges in stabilizing Afghanistan and ensuring its socioeconomic rehabilitation with reliance upon international community support under the central coordinating role of the UN. We call on all patriotic forces of Afghanistan to rally and unite in the name of the country’s future.

We wish the newly elected IRA President and the Afghan people success in progressing along the road of democracy in the interest of consolidating Afghanistan as a strong, independent and prosperous state.

Russia intends to continue to render necessary assistance to the traditionally friendly Afghan state, developing cooperation in the political, economic and humanitarian spheres and in the struggle against terrorism and narco crime.