UN `regrets` Abdullah`s protest against alleged Afghan poll fraud

Kabul: In a sign of growing diplomatic concern, the United Nations voiced regret Wednesday after Afghan presidential candidate Abdullah Abdullah suspended cooperation with election authorities over alleged fraud.

"Abdullah Abdullah suspending cooperation with the IEC (Independent Election Commission) came as a surprise," UN mission spokesman Ari Gaitanis told AFP.

"We regret this step, and at the same time we will keep working with both campaigns and the election commission."