Statement on Afghanistan
Press Statement
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
July 7, 2014
I have noted reports of protests in Afghanistan and of suggestions of a “parallel government” with the gravest concern.
The United States expects Afghan electoral institutions to conduct a full and thorough review of all reasonable
allegations of irregularities. At the same time, there is no justifiable recourse to violence or threats of violence, or
for resort to extra-constitutional measures or threats of the same. The apolitical role of the security forces must be
respected by all parties. We call on all Afghan leaders to maintain calm in order to preserve the gains of the last
decade and maintain the trust of the Afghan people. Any action to take power by extra-legal means will cost Afghanistan
the financial and security support of the United States and the international community.
ENDS