MOSCOW. April 4 (Interfax) - The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) member states await a fair and democratic election in Afghanistan.
"Hopefully, the vote outcomes will promote peace in this country and consolidate the Afghan nation and the newly elected president of the Republic of Afghanistan will carry on the course towards economic reconstruction and sustainable political development of the country, public reconciliation and better living standards for the Afghan people," the CSTO foreign ministers said in a statement in Moscow on Thursday.
The ministers reaffirmed their adherence to Afghanistan's development as a peaceful, sovereign, neutral and prosperous state free from terrorism and drug crime, and a responsible regional partner.
They welcomed the Afghan presidential election scheduled for Saturday and expressed the hope that the vote would be successful and consistent with the legislative norms and security provisions.
"We stand for a transparent and democratic election in Afghanistan, whose results will be pronounced legal and reflect the will of the majority of the population. We are confident that the Afghan government assisted by the international community has taken measures to give all Afghan citizens wishing to vote this opportunity," the statement runs.