Afghan presidential contenders sign unity deal

BBC online :A deal to form a government of national unity in Afghanistan has been signed at a ceremony in Kabul.The signing – broadcast live on national TV – comes after months of wrangling following presidential elections in April and June.Under the deal, Ashraf Ghani becomes president while runner-up Abdullah Abdullah nominates a CEO with powers similar to those of prime minister.The final result of the bitterly contested poll is due to be announced. Both sides had accused the other of fraud following the election.Mr Ghani and Mr Abdullah signed the agreement at a ceremony inside the presidential palace in the capital, Kabul. They then stood and embraced each other.Outgoing Afghan President Hamid Karzai congratulated the two men, saying that the agreement was “for the progress and development of this country”.”On behalf of the Afghan nation, I am congratulating them on this understanding and agreement,” he said in his speech.