London - Britain Tuesday welcomed the acceptance by Afghan President Hamid Karzai that a second round of voting was required in the country's disputed presidential election.

In a statement, Prime Minister Gordon Brown described Karzai's promise to hold a second ballot as "statesmanlike."

He said it was clear that there had been "flaws" in the election process and that it was now "vital" that the country's new government "had legitimacy in the eyes of its people."

"I have consistently said that the election must be allowed to run its course and that all concerned should respect the process. There is no doubt that there have been flaws and we will need to apply the lessons of this process," said Brown.

"President Karzai has today make clear that due constitutional process must be followed, and that if the formal certified results require it, then a second ballot will be held," he added.

"Let me commend his statesmanlike statement - and the international community too will join me in welcoming the leadership he has shown today." (dpa)