EU HR Javier SOLANA talks to Afghan President Hamid KARZAI on electoral process

							                                                                                                    Brussels, 28 July 2004
                                                                                                                 S0205/04




                            Javier SOLANA,
                  EU High Representative for the CFSP,
     talks to Afghan President Hamid KARZAI on electoral process


Javier SOLANA, EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy, spoke
today with President Hamid KARZAI of Afghanistan on the latest developments regarding the
electoral process in the country.

The High Representative told the President that he was pleased to note the interest displayed by the
Afghan people to participate in the forthcoming elections in Afghanistan as demonstrated by the 7.5
million Afghans - over an estimated total of 10 million - who have so far been registered, as well as
by the high number of candidates who will be competing in the first round of the Presidential
elections scheduled for 9 October this year.

The high percentage of registered voters and the ideological diversity of the candidates for the
Presidency symbolise the commitment of the Afghan people to pluralism and electoral politics. The
High Representative looks forward to an electoral campaign process held in a secure and open
environment that will enable the people of Afghanistan to chose freely their candidate for President.

Javier Solana acknowledged the fact that President Karzai faced a difficult decision in his choice of
the vice-presidential team. The European Union fully respects and supports the President's choice of
his two running mates, both of whom are persons of high standing and integrity as well as
committed to the process of reform.

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         This statement is attributable to Cristina Gallach, spokeswoman of Javier Solana

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                                                FOR FURTHER DETAILS:
                          Spokesperson of the Secretary General, High Representative for CFSP
                                +32 (0)2 285 6467 / 8239 / 6217 / 5150 / 5151   +32 (0)2 285 5694
                                            internet: http://ue.eu.int/solana
                                           e-mail: presse.cabinet@consilium.eu.int