For Immediate Release
December 7, 2004

Karzai's Inauguration Is First for Afghanistan
Fact of the Day

When Afghan President Hamid Karzai took the oath of office today, he became the first democratically elected president in the history of Afghanistan. His inauguration is the latest milestone on the Afghan people's road to a democratic government and a vibrant civil society. Under the Afghan constitution, President Karzai will now appoint his cabinet. Parliamentary and local elections are planned for spring 2005.

Source: U.S. Department of State and the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (www.fco.gov.uk)