The White House has welcomed the signing of a power-sharing agreement in Afghanistan, ending months of turmoil over the country's disputed presidential election.
Under the deal, Ashraf Ghani will become president and runner-up Abdullah Abdullah should fill the newly created position of chief executive.
Hours after the deal was signed, the country's election commission declared Ghani the winner of the June runoff, but refused to release a final vote tally.
In welcoming the deal, the White House said that "respect for the democratic process" is the only viable path forward for Afghanistan.
In New York, the UN Security Council issued a press statement welcoming the "conclusion of Afghanistan's presidential election," adding that member countries looked forward to working with the new "Government of National Unity."
NATO said that it hoped both leaders could move forward "in the spirit of genuine political partnership."
Based on reporting by AFP and AP
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