英语文摘：NATO welcomes Afghan parliamentary elections

BRUSSELS, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen on Saturday welcomed the almost peaceful conclusion of the parliamentary elections in Afghanistan.

"On behalf of the NATO Alliance, I congratulate the Afghan people today on the parliamentary elections, despite the violence carried out by those attempting to deny the people's most basic democratic right," Rasmussen said in a statement.

The NATO chief said Afghan voters and parliamentary candidates had once again shown their determination to resist intimidation as they choose their own leaders and path for their country.

Afghanistan held its second parliamentary elections in the post- Taliban era Saturday. The voting started in the morning amid Taliban threat, tight security and reported mismanagement.

According to election body's chief Fazal Ahmad Manawai, the 11. 4 million eligible voters' casting until midday represented 32 percent of turnout.

As part of efforts to bar Afghans from voting, the Taliban fighters had carried out series of attacks including bomb blasts and rocket firing in parts of the country, leaving around a dozen dead and injuring some three dozen others, but the elections were largely peaceful.

Rasmussen also paid tribute to the Afghan National Security Forces, saying they have demonstrated their growing strength and capability to plan and lead the security effort.