OSCE Chairman-in-Office calls for active participation in Afghan elections

SOFIA, 8 October 2004 - The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Bulgarian Foreign Minister Solomon Passy, today issued the following statement:

"October 9 is a historic day for the people of Afghanistan, who for the first time will be able to elect their own leader. The OSCE Election Support Mission in Afghanistan reports that necessary preparations have been made for a successful election, and that Afghan voters are eagerly looking forward to voting.

"On behalf of the 55 participating States of the OSCE, I wish to pay tribute to those Afghan and international election workers who suffered fatalities and injuries during the voter registration process. Their sacrifices underline the determination of the people of Afghanistan to end the rule of the gun and introduce the rule of law.

"I urge the people of Afghanistan to come out to vote on October 9 and to continue the struggle for democracy and the rights of all."