Military

DATE=12/05/01

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BUSH AFGHAN GOVERNMENT (L)

NUMBER=2-283936

BYLINE= PAULA WOLFSON

DATELINE= WHITE HOUSE

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: President Bush is welcoming the deal creating a new interim government for Afghanistan. V-O-A's Paula Wolfson reports Mr. Bush says the U-N brokered accord shows progress is being made on both the military and political fronts.

TEXT: The President says he is pleased with the agreement reached by rival Afghan factions.

////BUSH ACT///

There has been great progress in Bonn.

///END ACT///

He says the composition of the interim Afghan government is a hopeful sign, noting it is broad-based and includes women.

////BUSH ACT TWO///

It is a major change for that part of the world and a positive change.

///END ACT///

The deal reached in Bonn by four Afghan factions calls for a post-Taleban interim government to be headed by Pashtun chief Hamid Karzai. The interim administration will be made up of 30 members in all, including two women.

President Bush says they have vowed that under their rule, Afghanistan will no longer be a haven for terrorists.

///BUSH ACT THREE///

This interim government, as well, has pledged to fight terror and for that we are grateful.

///END ACT///

Other words of support for the power-sharing deal came from European Union External Relations Commissioner Chris Patten, who called it a crucial first step in efforts to bring peace to Afghanistan. Russia, Britain, France, India and Pakistan also welcomed the agreement. (signed)