CRI听力:Kerry Arrives in Kabul to Meet Presidential Candidates

US Secretary of State John Kerry is in Kabul to resolve tensions over Afghanistan's disputed presidential poll.

Kerry is going to meet with the two candidates Abdullah Abdullah and Ashraf Ghani.

The preliminary results of the presidential election runoff suggested a massive turnaround in favor of former Finance Minister Ashraf Ghani.

Abdullah, a top leader of the Northern Alliance that battled the Taliban before the American-led invasion, claims the runoff was a fraud.

Before arriving in Kabul, Kerry said Afghan candidates should not raise expectations among their supporters.

"We would encourage both of them to not raise expectations with their supporters, to publicly demonstrate respect for the audit process and the accountability process, and also to show critical statesmanship and leadership at a time when Afghanistan needs it."

Afghans have mixed feelings about the U.S. Secretary of State's visit.

"We are hopeful that John Kerry who represents the world super power can play a positive role in Afghanistan's election, we are optimistic that his mediation will change the situation for better."
"This election stand-off is Afghanistan's problem and it must be solved by Afghans themselves. Afghans should be united to solve their own issue. If they are unable to solve it I am quite sure that neither John Kerry nor Obama will be able to solve this problem. "

Current President Hamid Karzai is stepping down after more than 10 years.