U.S. says Karzai was legitimately elected

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 (UPI) -- Washington recognizes Afghan President Hamid Karzai as the legitimately elected president of the country, a U.S. State Department spokesman said.

Afghan election officials found that rampant fraud in the Aug. 20 presidential contest gave Karzai the clear majority needed for a second term. Discounting the fraudulent votes, however, put him in a runoff with former Foreign Minister Abdullah Abdullah.

Abdullah backed out of the race, however, citing concerns over the legitimacy of parts of the government, prompting national election bodies to declare Karzai the victor.

In a heated exchange with reporters, Ian Kelly, a spokesman for the U.S. State Department, maintained that Washington's position was in support of the decision.

"We recognize Hamid Karzai as the legitimately elected president of Afghanistan," he said.

Abdullah suggested he would not join Karzai in the next administration, saying he would continue his opposition from outside the government.

Kelly said Washington held Abdullah in high regard, adding the former foreign minister had an important role to play in the development of the country.

"We respect Dr. Abdullah very much," he said. "We hope that he stays engaged in the political process and plays a part in the dialogue and the political life of his country."