Obama says Afghan elections critical to securing democratic future, continued int'l support

WASHINGTON: United States President Barack Obama on Saturday hailed the elections in Afghanistan as "critical" to securing its democratic future and continued international support, while pledging to continue the U.S. partnership with the new Afghan government.

Obama congratulated Afghans on the "historic elections," which he said will usher in the first democratic transfer of power in Afghanistan's history and which represent "another important milestone" in Afghans taking full responsibility for their country as the U.S. and its partners draw down forces, the White House said in a statement.