The new Afghan cabinet led by Mr Hamid Karzai today held its first meeting to discuss the mammoth task of reconstructing the stricken nation, while controversy lingered over the US bombing of a convoy.
|
|
Mr Hamid Karzai's cabinet faces a daunting task
|
All 29 of Mr Karzai's ministers - including two women - were present at the meeting in the Gul Khana presidential palace of the power-sharing government, which has been welcomed by the world but faces a huge job during its six-month tenure.
After the downfall of the Taliban, US and Afghan forces are still hunting accused terrorist leader Osama bin Laden, millions of Afghans face food shortages and security has broken down in many areas.
A British embassy spokesman said that the bulk of the international security force for Kabul was not expected until next month. About 100 British Royal Marines are in the capital so far.
Mr Karzai also faces an immediate controversy over the US bombing of a convoy in eastern Afghanistan. A tribal chief reportedly threatened to start a war against the new government if there were more US attacks in his region.
However, presidential official Mr Aziz Karzai told AFPthe first meeting concentrated on "basic subjects of the governnment."
After taking the oath of office at a solemn ceremony yesterday, Mr Karzai said the administration's priorities were to establish "peace and stability" and to begin the reconstruction of the nation.
Many tribal chiefs, mujahedeen leaders and even ministers in the new government shed tears as they watched Mr Karzai and outgoing president Mr Burhanuddin Rabbani embrace in a gesture which symbolised Afghanistan's first peaceful transfer of power since the overthrow of King Mohammad Zaher Shah in 1973.
Residents of Kabul, returning to work after a week of virtual inactivity linked to celebrations for the end of the Ramadan fasting month and yesterday's inauguration, showed strong support for the new leader.
There were other signs of changes starting in the post-Taliban era.
Thousands of girls who were excluded from public schools during the Taliban era have registered for classes at private schools. The classes are aimed at helping children who received no schooling in the past five years prepare for the official opening of government schools next March.
Businessmen were seen in the streets wearing Western-style suits banned by the rigid Taliban regime, which ruled from 1996 until being ousted by opposition forces backed by US warplanes earlier this month.
Mr Karzai faces a growing outcry over the US bombing of a convoy of vehicles in eastern Afghanistan on Thursday which reportedly left 65 dead.
The United States has said the convoy included al-Qaeda and Taliban leaders. According to local officials quoted by AIP, it was carrying local tribal chiefs, elders and mujahedeen commanders to Mr Karzai's inauguration.
General Tommy Franks, commander of US forces in Afghanistan, said missiles were fired at US planes by the convoy.
AFP