Former Afghan King Zahir Shah Ready To Become Provisional President Of The Country

Former king of Afghanistan Zahir Shah is ready to accept the post of provisional president of the country, leader of the National Islamic Front of Afghanistan (NIFA) Pir Sayed Ahmad Gilani who recently met the ex-monarch in Rome stated. According to Gilani, Zahir Shah will head the country during the transitional period till the convocation of Loya Jirga. At this traditional assembly of people's representatives it will be possible to work out powers of the future president, the fundamentals of the Constitution and a scheme for holding a general election in Afghanistan. The Fundamental Law must be approved by Loya Jirga together with the members of the parliament of Afghanistan which will be elected in the future. As Gilani believes, all organisations and political forces which will back the idea of re-establishment of peace, including part of the Taliban, as well as the former field commanders can participate in the construction of the political system. In his opinion, a government of broad people's representation, accepted by all the parties, movements and ethnoses, must be set up in Afghanistan. The NIFA leader holds the view that a certain role in state development in Afghanistan belongs to the United Nations. He noted that this organisation must, in particular, decide the question of stationing a peace-keeping contingent in the country to maintain "law and order". The NIFA is now holding a conference in Peshawar under the slogan For Peace and National Unity of Afghanistan. Taking part in it are more than 1,000 religious figures, field commanders, elders of tribes, politicians and public figures from Afghanistan, as well as temporarily living in Pakistan. Representatives of the Taliban and of the Northern Alliance were also invited to the forum. An invitation was sent also to ex-king's envoy Hedayat Amin Arasal.