Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement on Afghanistan’s election results:

"Afghanistan will now transition from one elected leader to another.  The Afghan people can be proud of the role they played.  The election, especially the tabulation, has been rough, but there is cause for hope, if things change.  After nearly 13 years under the failed policies of the Karzai administration, Afghanistan desperately needs a fresh start with a new leader and innovative ideas.

"It is now time for all parties to set aside their differences, abide by their commitments to form a national-unity government, and embrace a set of common goals to achieve a stable Afghanistan.  Afghanistan otherwise will be a failed state, with disastrous consequences for Afghans, and greater dangers to U.S. national security.

"President-elect Ghani must confront many challenges, including rampant corruption, revenue shortfalls, and a very challenging security situation.  I look forward to working with him and Abdullah Abdullah to ensure that Afghanistan remains a key security partner of the United States."

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