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Afghan presidential rivals sign unity government deal

Update : 21 Sep 2014, 08:04 AM

A deal to form a government of national unity in Afghanistan has been signed at a ceremony in Kabul.

The signing - broadcast live on national TV - comes after months of wrangling following presidential elections in April and June.

Under the deal, Ashraf Ghani becomes president while runner-up Abdullah Abdullah nominates a CEO with powers similar to those of the prime minister.

Both sides had accused the other of fraud following the election.

The final result of the bitterly contested poll is due to be announced later.

The power-sharing deal was finally reached after a comprehensive audit of all eight million votes which began in July.

BBC Afghanistan correspondent David Loyn, who has seen a copy of the final document, says the deal averts potential violence by supporters of Mr Abdullah.

The agreement says the new CEO will be answerable to Mr Ghani, although he has lost a battle to be sworn in after the announcement of the election result, our correspondent says.

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