UNITED NATIONS - THE UN Security Council joined calls on Friday on Afghan President Hamid Karzai to fight corruption, with Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon calling the country's political situation 'delicate' following deeply flawed elections.

In a tepid statement, the Council 'acknowledged' - rather than welcomed - the conclusion of the tumultuous electoral process where Mr Karzai was declared the winner after challenger Abdullah Abdullah withdrew from a runoff race saying it could not be free or fair.

Mr Abdullah on Wednesday called Mr Karzai's victory illegal and his government a failure, saying the president's tainted administration would not be able to check corruption or fend off the Taleban.

Mr Ban acknowledged there were problems with the elections, following a closed-door meeting briefing the Security Council on his recent trip to Afghanistan.

'It is obvious that the political situation remains delicate,' Mr Ban said. 'Clearly, the recent elections were seriously flawed.'

The UN's most powerful body said nonetheless that it looked forward to working with Mr Karzai. It urged him to improve security, promote good governance and fight corruption and the narcotics trade. -- AP