Obama tells Afghanistan presidential poll candidates that violence would end US aid

US President Barack Obama makes his way to board Marine One from the South Lawn of the White House on July 8, 2014 at the White House in Washington, DC. United States President Barack Obama warned the two candidates in Afghanistan's disputed pre
US President Barack Obama makes his way to board Marine One from the South Lawn of the White House on July 8, 2014 at the White House in Washington, DC. United States President Barack Obama warned the two candidates in Afghanistan's disputed presidential election that violence or taking "extra-constitutional means" would result in him stopping US assistance to the war-torn country, the White House said on Tuesday. -- PHOTO: AFP

WASHINGTON (AFP) - United States President Barack Obama warned the two candidates in Afghanistan's disputed presidential election that violence or taking "extra-constitutional means" would result in him stopping US assistance to the war-torn country, the White House said on Tuesday.

In phone calls to Mr Ashraf Ghani and Mr Abdullah Abdullah, Mr Obama "stressed that the United States expects a thorough review of all reasonable allegations of fraud to ensure a credible electoral process", the White House said in a statement.

"He reiterated that all parties should avoid steps that undermine Afghan national unity and should come together to work toward a resolution that represents the will of the Afghan people and produces a government that can bring Afghanistan together.

"He also noted that there is no justification for resorting to violent or extra-constitutional means, which would result in the end of US assistance to Afghanistan."

The calls, to Mr Ghani on Tuesday and Mr Abdullah on Monday night, came as the latter claimed victory, blaming fraud for putting him behind in preliminary results, as fears rise of instability and ethnic unrest in Afghanistan.

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