Abdullah says no coalition pressure on him

KABUL, Afghanistan, Oct. 21 (UPI) -- Afghan President Hamid Karzai's chief opponent says he is under no pressure to join a coalition to avoid the presidential runoff, which is set for Nov. 7.

At the same time, Abdullah Abdullah said he is preparing for the runoff, which was called Tuesday to settle the disputed Aug. 20 elections stemming from massive allegations of vote fraud, The New York Times reported.

Although the runoff date has been set, there is concern about tackling its logistics with the approach of the winter and the escalating violence from the Taliban, which has vowed to disrupt the process.

CNN quoted Abdullah as telling reporters he would soon announce a set of conditions he wants met to ensure a fair and safe runoff. At the same time, CNN also reported, he left open the door for other alternatives.

The Times report said the administration of U.S. President Barack Obama appears to favor a coalition between Karzai and Abdullah to end the current political uncertainty.

Afghanistan's Independent Election Commission Tuesday formally certified Karzai received 49.7 percent of the vote, just missing the 50 percent mark required to avoid a runoff, The Times said.

Abdullah said he had called Karzai to offer his congratulations for his decision.

Abdullah also said President Obama called him to congratulate him but that the president did not say anything about him joining a coalition.