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Foreign Minister Fischer Congratulates Hamid Karzai on Swearing-in as President of Afghanistan
Referring to the swearing-in of Hamid Karzai as President of Afghanistan on Tuesday, December 7, German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer said: “The swearing-in of President Karzai represents a milestone in the historic process of Afghanistan’s political reconstruction, which began in late 2001 on the Petersberg. He is the first freely elected president of his country. In the presidential elections on October 9, the Afghan people voted impressively in favor of democracy, liberty, and reconstruction and spoke out clearly against terrorism and extremism. This was an important step towards a peaceful future for the country. I congratulate Hamid Karzai on his inauguration and wish him the best of luck and success in the challenges that now lie ahead and in the further steps to be taken on the road towards a stable, secure, free, and democratic state. The German Government will continue to stand closely by Afghanistan in this effort.” Hamid Karzai, president of the Afghan transitional government since 2001, won the elections on October 9, 2004, in the first round with 55.4 % of the votes. The election process occurred without major incidents and with an overwhelming turnout of the population. International observers confirmed that the elections were fair. Voter turnout was roughly 80 percent, with women making up 40 percent of the casting vote. Free parliamentary elections will follow next year. Minister of State at the German Foreign Office Hans Martin Bury will represent the German Government at Karzai’s inaugural ceremony on Tuesday, December 7. Links
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