US hails Karzai's inauguration speech

Sally Sara, South Asia correspondent, and agencies

Last Updated: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:44:00 +1100

The US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has hailed the inauguration speech of Afghan President Hamid Karzai as a new starting point for the war-torn country.

Mr Karzai started his second term by setting a goal to have Afghan forces take over primary responsibility for security within five years.

He also promised an end to what he called a culture of impunity, and invited his main political opponent Abdullah Abdullah to contribute to the new government.

Dr Abdullah has declined the invitation.

Inauguration

Mr Karzai's swearing-in ceremony was held under tight security and large parts of Kabul were sealed off. Hundreds of witnesses were in attendance, including Mrs Clinton.

"I swear that I will obey and safeguard the sacred religion of Islam," Mr Karzai said as he stood at the front of the palace with his hand on a Koran.

He pledged to implement the constitution, defend Afghanistan's territorial integrity and independence and improve the lives of ordinary Afghans.

Mr Karzai says Afghans want an end to fighting and thanked international donors and troops for their assistance.

The President is expected to announce the members of his cabinet within the next two weeks.

Mr Karzai was named president after a fraud-tainted election in August, and his closest challenger withdrew from a planned run-off poll.

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