Un Special Representative Meets Incumbent Afghan President In Kabul

Special representative of UN Secretary General Lakhdar Brahimi discussed with Northern Alliance leaders in Kabul Tuesday issues of peace settlement and stability in Afghanistan, as well as transferring power to the interim government. Brahimi met with still incumbent President of Afghanistan Burhanuddin Rabbani, as well as Defence Minister Mohammad Fahim and Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah, who kept their posts in the new administration. Informed sources in Rabbani's administration reported that in the course of the meeting with the UN Secretary General representative, distribution of ministerial portfolios among the Northern Alliance representatives was also discussed. Many leaders of the Northern Alliance voiced a number of claims to President Rabbani on portfolio distribution. Thus, it is not ruled out that the procedure of distribution of ministerial portfolios within the alliance will be reviewed before the interim government comes to power.