British Prime Minister Tony Blair said on Monday that Britain welcomed the first free parliamentary elections of Afghanistan after decades of armed conflict.

Blair said he "admires the courage" of the candidates who have stood in the first Parliamentary and local elections held in Afghanistan for 30 years.

"I congratulate the people of Afghanistan on turning out in such numbers to vote in their Parliamentary and Provincial Council elections yesterday. I admire the courage shown by all those who have been standing as candidates, and especially the very many women," said Blair.

"Once again Afghans have shown how determined they are to build a better future for their country. The UK will continue to work in their support and wishes them every success," he added.

On Sunday, over 6 million Afghans risked militants' attacks and voted to elect the members of parliament and provincial councils, which is the first in Afghanistan in over three decades.

Source: Xinhua