The FINANCIAL — BRUSSELS. NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen welcomed parliamentary elections in Afghanistan, despite violence which left at least 10 people dead and 20 injured, RIA Novosti reported.
"On behalf of the NATO Alliance, I congratulate the Afghan people today on the Parliamentary Elections, despite the violence carried out by those attempting to deny the people's most basic democratic right," Rasmussen said in a statement.
Taliban fighters launched dozens of rocket attacks on polling stations across the country to prevent people from voting in Afgnanistan's second general elections since the overthrow of the Taliban in 2001.
"Afghan voters and parliamentary candidates have once again shown their determination to resist intimidation as they choose their own leaders and path for their country," the secretary general added.
He said that the 28-nation alliance will "maintain its commitment to Afghanistan as the people and Government build a more secure and safer future."
Elections were held in Afghanistan on Saturday to choose 249 lawmakers out of more than 2,500 candidates. Final results of the polls are expected around October 31.
About two thirds of eligible voters stayed home because of the Taliban intimidation.
