Communiqué: 

The Institute for Afghan Studies congratulates the Afghan nation and all those concerned with the implementation of the basic principle of democracy-election by secret ballot, of the leader for the transitional government of Afghanistan. The IAS takes this as good omen for the salvation of the country, the cause of true peace and equality and the true beginning of dressing the past wounds of the Afghan nation and starting of the long, arduous but pleasant process of revival and resuscitation of the country's infrastructure and economic and social foundation. The IAS supports the choice of the Afghan nation and hopes for the day that the Afghan nation decides on a democratic constitution and free general elections for the country. We appreciate and understand sacrifices by individuals and groups that have given democracy a chance to prevail in this important historical era in Afghanistan.  It is further understood that the Loya Jirga still has difficult issues ahead which we hope should also be resolved through free discussion and secret ballot.

The Institute for Afghan Studies