Press Release

Date of Release:  - 01 April 2005

Presidential Palace, Kabul – H.E. Hamid Karzai, President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, welcomes the creation of the Afghanistan National Coordination Front as the Opposition to the Government of Afghanistan.  The Afghanistan National Coordination Front, led by Mr Mohammad Yonus Qanooni, was announced yesterday afternoon at a press conference held in the Intercontinental Hotel, Kabul.

The President appreciates this initiative which aims to establish an Opposition to the Government, within the democratic political framework in Afghanistan, and considers it as an important step towards strengthening democracy and the rule of law in Afghanistan.  The President believes that, in the same way that a parliament and the principle of people’s representation in the State are vital elements of a democratic system, an Opposition committed to reform and the true application of law is also a crucial part of such a system. 

As is common in other democracies in the world, the Government and the Opposition can have differences in views and policies, but are united in defending and promoting national interests which are above political interests. 

The President wishes Mr.Yonus Qanooni and his colleagues at the Afghanistan National Coordination Front all the success, and hopes that the Front will play its historical role in strengthening and deepening democracy in Afghanistan by adopting policies that are positive, constructive and leading to reform.

Released by the Office of the Spokesman to the President

Islamic Republic of Afghanistan