Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement on the agreement reached in Afghanistan regarding the country’s presidential runoff election:
 
“By accepting a complete review of all ballots, both presidential candidates have taken a big step – placing the interests of the country above their own.  I appreciate the efforts of Secretary Kerry to press a solution that I am hopeful will end this political crisis.  Until this weekend, Afghanistan was on the edge of spiraling out of control.  This agreement represents a commitment to a transparent effort to root out fraudulent votes and seek political reconciliation – an effort that will take constant focus and attention from Afghans and international observers in the coming weeks.  But while fair elections are critical, Afghan leaders must also rise above their divisions and strive to practice democratic ideals on a day-to-day basis, with far more commitment than has been shown over the last several years.”

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