China backs Ghani, congratulates him on re-election as Afghanistan President

China on Tuesday congratulated Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani on his re-election and called on all parties to accelerate reconstruction and peace process in war-torn country.

President Ghani and his rival leer Abdullah Abdullah were each sworn in as president in separate ceremonies on Monday, throwing plans for peace negotiations with Taliban into chaos and creating a piquant situation for international community.

Ghani was declared as winner of presidential election in September, but Abdullah rejected vote and held a parallel swearing-in ceremony surrounded by hundreds of his supporters on Monday.

drama unfolded in Kabul as US began withdrawing its troops from Afghanistan as part of initial troop withdrawal required in US-Taliban peace agreement signed between America and Taliban in Doha on February 29.

Asked about separate swearing-in ceremonies of Ghani and Abdullah, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told a media briefing here that China congratulated Ghani's re-election, in a clear backing of incumbent president from Beijing.

"China respects Afghan people's independent choice and decision on future of ir nation. We congratulate Ghani's election as President," Geng said.

"We call on parties in Afghanistan to bear in mind interest of ir nation and people consolidate consensus and accelerate process of reconstruction and peace. We are willing to work with new ministration and people in all sectors to promote friendly relations between our two countries for benefit of our peoples," he said.

"w situation in Afghanistan is at crucial st. Taliban and US have signed an agreement, inter-Afghanistan negotiation is hopeful to be held soon," he said.

Geng said people of Afghanistan were facing a "precious opportunity" to bring a four-dece-long conflict to an end, but asserted that re was also a "severe challenge" involved.

"We hope international community will respect Afghan people's will and continue to support inter-Afghan peace and reconciliation. We also call on foreign armies to withdraw in orderly and responsible manner ensure a transition to avoid terrorist organization's expansion," he said.

US, which inved Afghanistan and toppled Taliban in 2001, signed an agreement aimed at "bringing peace" to Afghanistan with Taliban last month.

Under agreement, US and NATO allies have agreed to withdraw all troops within 14 months if Taliban uphold deal.

Under deal, militants also agreed t to allow al-Qaeda or any or extremist group to operate in areas y control. 

(Im Credit AP)