Afghan presidential candidate supports freedom of press

Presidential candidate and former foreign minister Zalmai Rasoul Monday promised to support freedom of press and boost democracy in the post-Taliban Afghanistan if he wins the upcoming elections slated for April 5.

Rassoul, who has served in President Hamid Karzai's administration for the past 12 years as foreign minister and advisor to the president on national security, said at his election campaign launch that he would support freedom of press, boost security and fight corruption if he wins the elections, reported Xinhua.

"I am announcing (Monday) today that I firmly believe in democracy and would further boost it if I win the coming presidential elections with your support," Rassoul said here.

At least eleven candidates, including two former ministers and one defence minister, have registered themselves for the race to succeed President Karzai.

A two-month election campaign for Afghan presidential candidates formally began Feb 2 and will be closed April 2, 48 hours before the voting starts.