New Afghan leader Ashraf Ghani hails unity deal

Incoming Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has praised the vote deal with runner-up Abdullah Abdullah as a 'big victory' paving way for the first democratic transfer of power.

Ghani told his supporters in a nationally television speech that the national unity government's goal is for peace as it is tired of bloodshed. He also appealed to Afghan citizens to buy national goods in order to eliminate corruption, the BBC reported.

Following months of tension over disputed presidential elections, the two leaders reached a unity deal whereby Ghani becomes President while Abdullah Abdullah will have a nominee who will hold a post equivalent to that of Prime Minister.