By KUNA,
Paris : French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner left Paris early Saturday for a surprise, two-day visit to Afghanistan as tensions build there in the buildup to the results of that countrys presidential election held last August.
Allegations of massive fraud and accusations incumbent Hamid Karzai has been tampering with votes have led to expectations that violence could erupt when the results are officially announced. Karzai is claiming victory with close to 55 percent of ballots, but his main rival, former Foreign Minister Abdullah Abdullah, says there has been widespread fraud and stuffing of ballot boxes.
“Bernard Kouchner is in Kabul today and tomorrow in the context of tension provoked by the expectation of the proclamation of the electoral results that have been delayed for a long time,” the French Foreign Ministry said in a statement early Saturday.
Kouchner is expected to deliver a message to both candidates and urge responsible behavior regarding the elections results, “no matter what their nature.” The French Minister noted that the electoral verification bodies and the election commission had scrutinized the process and that “fraud and distortions were systematically identified.” He called on all to respect the investiture of the new president if a majority is reached after the vote count, or to help prepare for a second round if this is required.
In any event, Kouchner said, France is there “to support Afghanistan on this path and will continue to support the Afghan people on its way towards stable institutions and peace.”