Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah have met with a visiting US Senate delegation in Kabul.
The delegation involved Democratic senators Margaret Hassan and Chirstopher Van Hollen.
In meeting with Ghani on Wednesday evening, the senators extended congratulations over successful holding of presidential election in Afghanistan, saying the vote was important for strengthening democracy, according to a statement released by the president’s office.
They thanked Afghan forces for safeguarding the vote and countering terrorism and said that the US welcomes apeace process which preserves gains made over the last two decades including women’s rights and republic system.
The senators met also with CE Abdullah on Thursday morning, discussing election and peace.
The senators said that success of peace talks depend on reduction in violence and Taliban’s acceptance of ceasefire, according to a statement from Abdullah’s office.
They said that it was up to the election commissions to ensure transparency and credibility of the vote.
For his part, Abdullah said that election was a step toward peace and stability in Afghanistan and the region.
He said that fraud and violations happened during the election, but the commissions had vowed to address the cases.
He said that the government supports transparency, credibility and the principle of using biometric system in the election.
On peace, Abdullah said that real peace would come when the Taliban enters into direct talks with the Afghan government.
He said that national unity, political consensus and consensus on peace efforts, security, fight against corruption, maintaining balanced and active foreign policy and addressing people’s real needs were his priorities.
