Military

DATE= 06/18/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER =2-291110

TITLE=AFGHAN POL (S ONLY)

BYLINE=GARY THOMAS

DATELINE=KABUL

CONTENT=

/// EDS: THIS SPOT CAN BE USED WITH ANY CN- ITEM ON THE AFGHAN ROCKET INCIDENT ///

INTRO: Afghanistan's interim president has asked delegates of a grand elective council, or Loya Jirga, for one more day to finalize his cabinet. However, as V-O-A correspondent Gary Thomas reports from Kabul, there is still a difference of opinion about whether the cabinet must be submitted to the council for ratification.

TEXT: Loya Jirga delegates had waited all day for President Hamid Karzai to appear before them to announce his cabinet. But when he finally stepped to the platform late in the afternoon, it was to plead for one more day to nail down his choices.

Mr. Karzai said he is trying to put together a representative cabinet of professional and efficient ministers. He said he had to consult with a number of people about the posts, including former king Zahir Shah.

Delegates interviewed afterward grumbled a bit about the delay, but agreed that it was better that Mr. Karzai take his time to put together an efficient group.

Mr. Karzai's advisors say it is not necessary for the president to submit his choices to the Loya Jirga for ratification. But U-S Special Envoy to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalizad disagrees. He said that the Loya Jirga's seal of approval is required under the Bonn Agreement signed last year, and that whoever says it is not is mistaken.

Mr. Karzai said he will present his choices late Wednesday afternoon Afghan time. (signed)

Neb/gpt/KBK