Indian PM Congratulates Karzai For Successful Conduct Of Elections

New Delhi, April 8, IRNA – Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Monday telephoned President Karzai to congratulate him on the successful conduct of the first round of the presidential elections in Afghanistan. He also lauded Karzai`s personal leadership and the courage, resolve and determination of the people of Afghanistan who had defied terrorism and violence and voted for a democratic and prosperous future for their country, a PMO release said. President Karzai expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister and said that Afghanistan was grateful for the support and assistance that had consistently been extended to it by India. He added that the Afghan people regarded India as a true friend. Prime Minister said India would continue to stand by Afghanistan. According to pti, Afghans celebrated a largely peaceful election on Saturday, as turnout exceeded predictions despite Taliban threats to disrupt the vote to choose President Hamid Karzai’s successor, who has held power since 2001. If no candidate wins more than 50 percent in the first round, a run-off is scheduled for late May. There were no major militant attacks during polling, and organisers described the election as a huge success./end