The European Union has agreed with Pakistan that no multinational force will be deployed in Afghanistan until a new government is agreed upon.
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General Pervez Musharraf
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A joint statement was issued after talks in Islamabad between a senior EU delegation and Pakistan's president. It says the international community must not "waver from its consensus" on Afghanistan's political future.
The statement adds the post-Taliban government, whose formation will be debated by Afghan factions beginning on Tuesday in Germany, "should be broad-based, multi-ethnic and acceptable to all Afghans".
In his talks with the European delegation led by Belgian Prime Minister Mr Guy Verhofstadt, General Pervez Musharraf - who took power in a 1999 coup - also reiterated his commitment to returning Pakistan to civilian rule.
Earlier, the delegation was told that Afghanistan faces a severe humanitarian crisis and is urgently in need of international assistance.
The 15-member EU has so far pledged £181 million in humanitarian aid for Afghanistan.
The relief group also appealed to the delegation to urge General Musharraf to open Pakistan's borders to refugees.
AP
