ID :
342879
Mon, 09/29/2014 - 12:09
Auther :

Ashraf Ghani sworn in as Afghan president

TEHRAN, Sep. 29 (MNA) – After long debate between two run-off elections rivals, Ashraf Ghani is sworn in as new president of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. After 13 years in power, Hamid Karzai leaves office as president. In his address during inauguration ceremony of new president, Karzai appreciated the nation for supporting him during his presidency. He also expressed joy to deliver power to new president. Karzai stressed that the election indicated that the Afghan people seek peace and stability and called on new president to address this concern. The inauguration ceremony was held on Monday morning in presidential palace in Kabul with about 1400 Afghan and foreign guests attending the summit. Today is a holiday across Afghanistan due to security concerns. Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai was sworn in by Supreme Court officials. Following Ashraf Ghani, his deputies were also sworn in by president. According to the constitution, afghan president and his deputies take an oath to serve the constitution and step toward prosperity of the country. Abdullah Abdullah was also sworn in as Chief Executive Officer, a new position designated for him as part of agreement between the two rivals. Addressing the ceremony, Abdullah emphasized on importance of democracy and stability in the country and highlighted necessity of reformation of electoral system in the country. He also admired the country’s Security Council for their efforts during the election. Abdullah Abdullah had gained more votes than Ashraf Ghani in first round of elections, but in run-off elections he allegedly gained less vote count. Abdullah opposed the results as vote rigging which resulted in UN-led audit plan. The vote recount, however, made no result and the two candidates finally reached an agreement to have Ghani Ahmadzai as president and Abdullah Abdullah as chief executive officer to share power to some extent. New Afghan President Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai appreciated former president and the nation for first-ever peaceful power transition in the country. He emphasized on importance of reaching a sustainable peace in the country. Ashraf Ghani also expressed concern over corruption in judicial system and urged prosecution of corrupted officials. Afghan president stressed that all Afghan people are equal and announced justice and equality as a top priority for his administration. He also pointed to migration, disabled people and women and youth as main social and economic concerns of the government. “Our nation is not complete when millions of our fellow citizens are living in other countries,” stated he. Iranian Vice President Mohammad Shariatmadari has also attended the inauguration ceremony.

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