Statement by Ambassador Cunningham on the IEC Announcement of Dr. Ashraf Ghani as President-Elect of Afghanistan --- I congratulate Dr. Ashraf Ghani on being named as the new the President-Elect by the Independent Election Commission today, and wish him every success as he takes up the task of leading his country. The United States is eager to work with Dr. Ghani and Dr. Abdullah as they form a strong and legitimate government of national unity, which is representative of all Afghans, and embark on the new government’s program. In that spirit, I urge the supporters of both candidates to come together and to work for the future of their country as Afghans, with shared interests and goals. -- I would like to commend the many Afghans who contributed to the elections process, and especially the Afghan Independent Election Commission, the Independent Election Complaints Commission, and the United Nations for their enormous efforts. The problems with the elections, and the audit, should not overshadow the achievement of a peaceful transfer of political authority and the democratic legitimacy embodied in the many millions of valid votes cast for the two candidates. We look forward to the inauguration of the new president, and the appointment of the new Chief Executive Officer, and to deepening our enduring partnership with the Afghan people. - More, http://kabul.usembassy.gov/pr-092114c.html