[ Afghan Elections 2004-2005 ]

The National Movement of Afghanistan said in a statement issued on 7 October that the party continues to support the candidacy of Mohammad Yunos Qanuni despite the announcement by Ahmad Wali Mas'ud, the party's chairman, that he backs Afghan Transitional Administration Chairman Hamid Karzai, Peshawar-based Afghan Islamic Press (AIP) reported. Afghan Minister of Returnees Affairs and member of National Movement, Enayatullah Nazari, read a statement claming that Wali Mas'ud's decision to support Karzai was his personal opinion and that "there is no change in the National Movement's stance.... [as the party] resolutely supports" Qanuni. (Ami Tarzi)