World calls for corrupt-free Karzai gov't

LONDON, Nov. 3 (UPI) -- British Prime Minister Gordon Brown joined U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and world leaders in calling on Kabul to form a legitimate and honest government.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai was appointed to a second term in office on Monday following a decision by former Foreign Minister Abdullah Abdullah, his closest rival, to pull out of a runoff election scheduled for Nov. 7.

Afghan election officials ordered the runoff following an investigation into the Aug. 20 vote that uncovered rampant fraud in favor of Karzai.

Brown welcomed the secretary-general to London following Ban's visit to Kabul to address security and election issues, saying it was time to move the country forward.

"We want a corruption-free government, we want an inclusive government and we want a government that will tackle the problems of bringing economic prosperity to the Afghan people," said the prime minister.

Ban expressed similar concerns, saying he urged Karzai to "take all necessary measures" to live up to the expectations of the Afghan people and the international community.

Their comments were echoed in a statement by the European Union calling on Karzai to form a corrupt-free government to address many of the needs of Afghanistan.

"A credible and competent government, promoting national unity, must now be formed without delay," an EU statement read.