The Prime Minister spoke about his conversation with President Karzai in a statement to the British Parliament:

'I have spoken to President Karzai and discussed the importance of moving quickly to set out a unity programme for the future of Afghanistan. Afghanistan now needs new and urgent measures for tackling corruption, getting the economy and social facilities moving, strengthening local government and reaching out to all parts of Afghan society, and to give the Afghan people a real stake in their future.'

'And President Karzai agreed with me Afghanistan now needs to strengthen its army and police numbers so that over time we can reduce our troops...That way we will be able to deliver greater security to the Afghan people.. The Afghan forces that have fought alongside the British forces in recent years have been brave, determined and professional. We wish the Afghan forces, Afghan police and Afghan security personnel to be able to take responsibility for the management of law and order in the provinces and then throughout Afghanistan.'

'It is very important to appoint district and provincial governors who will take action to build up facilities in health, education and schools in the areas for which they are responsible... Therefore, part of the programme for Afghanistan must be to match anti-corruption activity at the centre with ensuring that local government is in the hands of those who are responsible to the people and not connected to the country's drug overlords.'

Dr Abdullah, Hamid Karzai's only rival in the second round of Presidential elections, pulled out of runoff on 1 November. On 2 November, the Independent Elections Commission (IEC) of Afghanistan announced President Karzai as the winner  

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