KABUL (PAN): United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Monday said whatever decision the Afghan election commission takes about the presidential elections in conformity with the country's constitution will be acceptable to them.

"The United Nations and the world community will support whatever decision the AIEC takes for a sustainable political solution," Ban told a press conference in Kabul after meeting with President Hamid Karzai at the Presidential Palace here on Monday.

The UN top official arrived in the country on a surprise visit to discuss next week's run off election with President Hamid Karzai and Abdullah Abdullah.

Abdullah, the runner up, on Sunday announced his withdrawal from the race.

Ban spoke minutes before the independent election canceled the November 7 runoff election, declaring incumbent Hamid Karzai the winner.

The UN chief said Abdullah's withdrawal from the election race has no impact on the election.

To a question, Ban said the UN has been working in Afghanistan for the last 50 years which should be appreciated and it would continue to serve the Afghans for their better future.

A deadly attack on a Kabul guest house with UN election workers last week killed five UN foreign officials and wounded nine others, raising questions about whether the UN might scale back in Afghanistan.

Three militants with guns and suicide vests stormed the compound before dawn in Shahr-i-Naw downtown, sparking a fierce gun-battle with UN security officers for an hour before the NATO forces and police showed up.

"Karzai assured me that he will take every security measure under his command for the safety of UN staff in Afghanistan," said Ban.

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