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Karzai Accepts Afghan Runoff Vote

Afghanistan is headed toward a second round of voting in its disputed presidential elections. On Tuesday, Afghan President Hamid Karzai bowed to US pressure and accepted a UN panels findings that his August election victory was tainted by widespread fraud.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai: The Independent Election Commission announced the second round of the election. We believe that this decision of the IEC is legitimate, legal and constitutional and that it strengthens the path towards democracy, and it is for the benefit of our nation.

Karzais chief rival, Abdullah Abdullah, praised the decision. The two will face off in a runoff vote next month. Karzai made the announcement after an intense round of meetings with a US delegation including Democratic Senator John Kerry.

Democratic Senator John Kerry: President Karzai himself had serious questions about the process, but today he showed statesmanship by deciding to move forward and to strengthen the country by embracing the constitution and the rule of law.

Back in Washington, President Obama also praised Karzais acknowledgment of election fraud.

President Obama: