Kabul boosts security ahead of Karzai inauguration

Wed Nov 18, 2009

Afghan forces have boosted security in and around Kabul to deter Taliban attacks during President Hamid Karzai's second inauguration ceremony.

The Afghan Defense Ministry said on Wednesday that several roads leading to Karzai's fortified presidential palace will be closed to traffic.

The ministry has declared a public holiday for government offices in the capital. Kabul residents have been asked to avoid unnecessary journeys.

Kabul's only international airport is to be closed to commercial flights on Thursday.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has arrived in the capital ahead of the inauguration. Moreover, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, British Foreign Secretary David Miliband and French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner will be among foreign dignitaries to attend the ceremony.

Karzai will take his oath of office on Thursday, three months after an election marred by allegations of widespread fraud and vote rigging failed to produce a winner with the majority of the ballot.

A run-off to the vote was never held, since Abdullah Abdullah, Karzai's main rival, decided to withdraw his bid for presidency.

Taliban militants carried out numerous attacks during the August 20 election.

Source: PressTV.
Link: http://edition.presstv.ir/detail/111610.html.