Statement by the Press Secretary on Decision Regarding the Upcoming Afghanistan Elections

President Bush welcomes today's decision by the UN -- Afghan Joint Electoral Management Board to schedule Afghanistan's Presidential elections on October 9 and Parliamentary elections next Spring. These elections will mark a critical step forward in Afghanistan's transition to democracy. The decision is a sign that the Afghan people will not allow the Taliban and other terrorist elements to stand in the way of their democratic future. The United States will fully support the Afghan Government as it prepares to hold these historic elections.