Presidential Palace, Kabul - H.E. Hamid Karzai, the President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan,
congratulates His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI on his election today as the new Pope.

In his reaction to the news of the Pope's election, the President said: "I congratulate Cardinal
Joseph Ratzinger for being elected as Pope Benedict XVI today. On behalf of the Afghan people, I
wish His Holiness Benedict XVI every success as he assumes his new responsibility."

The President extends congratulations also to the Vatican and to the Conclave of Cardinals who voted
to elect the pontiff.