KABUL: (MEP) – The United States denied Taliban leader’s claims that Afghanistan’s upcoming presidential polls will be predetermined by Washington, and encouraged Afghan civilians to participate in the elections. “The United States supports transparent, credible and inclusive Afghan elections and has a strong interest in providing technical support to help achieve this outcome,” Spokeswoman of the Department of State Jen Psaki said at a press briefing on Tuesday, KUNA reported.
“We encourage all Afghans, men and women, to participate as candidates, voters and election administrators, observers, to ensure their representation in these important democratic institutions,” she said. Psaki disagreed with Taliban leaders Mullah Omar’s assessment that it is winning its ground offensive in Afghanistan.
Omar dismissed the elections due in Afghanistan next year as “a waste of time” but insisted the militants had no desire to grab power after North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) troops leave.
Afghanistan is scheduled to go to the polls on April 5, 2014, to elect a successor to President Hamid Karzai, who has ruled since the US-led invasion overthrew the Taliban in 2001.
