Foreign Minister Abdollah says he's "happy with Karzai's decision"

Former Afghan Foreign Minister Abdollah Abdollah has said President Karzai's decision to remove him from the cabinet is "understandable".

Dr Abdollah was replaced by Dr Dadfar Spanta in the recent cabinet reshuffle. He told the BBC that he welcomed Karzai's changes to the cabinet.

He added that he would back the current development and security process despite his absenece in the government.

Dr Abdollah's positive reaction is very encouraging as it shows that the culture of war and hostility is being replaced by the culture of diplomacy and tolerance.

Previously, when officials were removed or demoted, they would certainly take an offensive stance.

But now they try to achieve their political ends through legitimate and peaceful means rather than to take the path of confrontation.