Yesterday the Secretary-General had separate phone calls with both Afghan presidential candidates, Dr. Ashraf Ghani and Dr. Abdullah Abdullah.

In his conversations, he stressed the need for both of them to abide by their public commitments and conclude the political agreement on a government of national unity. The Secretary-General said the audit, which is currently on-going and is being supported by the United Nations, was robust, comprehensive and consistent with international best practices.

The Secretary-General asked both to think of the future of Afghanistan and its people.  He reassured them that the United Nations and the international community were united in their support of a peaceful transition in Afghanistan.

The Secretary-General also spoke to outgoing President Hamid Karzai. He told him that the United Nations would remain committed to a partnership with Afghanistan. He also expressed the hope that Mr. Karzai would continue to remain involved as an elder leader of the country.