PM congratulates President Karzai on re-election (November 02, 2009)
A Downing Street spokesman said that during the phone call Mr Brown also welcomed President Karzai’s statesmanlike handling of events in recent days.
The Prime Minister spoke about his conversation with President Karzai in a statement to the House of Commons this afternoon:
'I have spoken to President Karzai and discussed the importance of moving quickly to set out a unity programme for the future of Afghanistan. Afghanistan now needs new and urgent measures for tackling corruption, strengthening local government and reaching out to all parts of Afghan society, and to give the Afghan people a real stake in their future. And President Karzai agreed with me Afghanistan now needs to strengthen its army and police numbers so over time we can reduce our troops.'
Dr Abdullah, Hamid Karzai’s main rival, pulled out of the second round of the Afghan presidential election on Sunday.
Notes for Editors
More about the Afghan elections
UK foreign policy news
- UK continues call for full settlement freeze (November 25, 2009)
- Global call for end to violence against women (November 25, 2009)
- Trial begins on human rights abuses in DRC (November 25, 2009)
- Commonwealth leaders head to Trinidad & Tobago (November 25, 2009)
- UK support for Kosovo is robust and enduring (November 24, 2009)
- Afghanistan is number one foreign policy priority (November 24, 2009)
- FCO appoints Head of Digital (November 24, 2009)
- 'A golden opportunity for Cyprus' (November 24, 2009)
- Climate change high on Commonwealth agenda (November 23, 2009)
- Be on the Ball for World Cup 2010 (November 23, 2009)
