The Hindu : International : Karzai seeks help for development

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Sep 23, 2004

International

International

Karzai seeks help for development

UNITED NATIONS, SEPT. 22. With just about two weeks before the historic presidential elections in Afghanistan, the interim incumbent, Hamid Karzai, has appealed to world leaders to continue their support for the nascent democracy.

``Working together for a stable and prosperous Afghanistan is not only a good example of successful international cooperation, but will also contribute to regional prosperity and global security,'' he said yesterday during the United Nations General Assembly's 59th annual session.

Participating in the high-level general debate, he said terrorists had tried to disrupt every stage of the polling process, intensifying offensives against voters and election workers in recent weeks.

``These attacks have not stopped our people from crossing one milestone after another,'' he said, adding, ``Yet, establishing a stable, democratic and prosperous Afghanistan requires sustained and collaborative efforts by the Afghans, our neighbours and the international community.''

India's aid

Later at a meeting with the Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, it was announced that India would extend an additional $400 millions over the next three years as the reconstruction assistance for Afghanistan.

India is already sending the indelible ink to Afghanistan for next month's election, in which about 10 million voters will exercise their franchise.

UNI

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