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Article  U.S. Praises New Afghan Constitution  By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service  WASHINGTON, Jan. 5, 2004 –
Delegates to Afghanistan's Loya Jirga agreed on a new,
democratic constitution for the nation Jan. 4.  The agreement
came after more than three weeks of "robust" debate that
"thoroughly considered all aspects of the draft" and led to a
"genuine political process," said a State Department spokesman.
The Loya Jirga began debate on the draft constitution Dec. 14.
President Bush congratulated the people of Afghanistan on the
adoption of their new constitution. "This document lays the
foundation for democratic institutions and provides a framework
for national elections in 2004," Bush said in a written
statement released by the White House. "A democratic Afghanistan
will serve the interests and just aspirations of all of the
Afghan people and help ensure that terror f