Weekh Afghan

Ghani Press Conference Transcript — Aug. 13, 2009
August 14th, 2009
Following is an English language transcription of Dr. Ashraf Ghani’s press conference yesterday regarding Abdullah and Karzai withdrawing from the scheduled second presidential debate on Tolo TV.
“The Tolo TV that pioneered the debate on July 23rd in this country showed that 10 million Afghan are willing to watch the debate and learn about the candidates.
“Dr. Abdullah’s campaign had made a commitment to the second nationally televised debate on Tolo TV while Mr. Karzai refused, as he had previously.
“I regret to inform you that in the last minute Dr. Abdullah made his decision to withdraw from the debate. Mr. Karzai made his decision this morning that he will not participate in the debate. A democratic society can not function without a democratic debate.
“The two campaigns are hiding behind advertisements in a way that is not advantageous for the nation. The environment in the country is full of tension and insecurity. The tension was created by the two campaigns of Dr. Abdullah and Mr. Karzai because of their negative references to potential violence in the post-election period.
“A debate will calm down the country and create the environment for civil politics that Afghanistan needs right now.
“I hope that the Tolo TV will broadcast all the facts regarding the withdrawal the two other candidates from the debate and provide me a platform to share my views with the people.
“I am fully committed the democratic process and to discussion because it is the only way that we can positively transform this country.”