Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union on the elections in Afghanistan
The European Union congratulates Afghanistan on the holding of the second presidential and provincial elections under the democratic constitution of the lunar year 1382 (2004).
The fact that they were the first to be conducted by Afghan authorities in three decades marks an important milestone for democracy in Afghanistan.
While deploring the loss of life, the European Union hails the personal courage and the commitment to democracy of all those Afghans that yesterday, under challenging circumstances, took part in the governance of their country. The EU furthermore praises the efforts of the Afghan and international security forces, that helped make the elections possible.
In close cooperation with thousands of Afghan election observers, the European Union Election Observation Mission (EOM) will continue to monitor independently the election process.