Afghan factions agree on interim post-Taliban regime

KOENIGSWINTER, Germany -- In a first step toward peace, Afghan factions signed an agreement Wednesday to create a temporary post-Taliban administration. The U.N.-brokered plan allows for the deployment of foreign troops to secure the transition, stresses the inclusion women and strives for a democracy.

Hamid Karzai, a moderate Muslim commander involved in the push to conquer the last Taliban stronghold in Kandahar, was chosen to head the interim administration, which will be made up of 30 Cabinet members.

Karzai called the appointment an honor and expressed hope for a smooth transfer of power in Kabul. "I hope very much it will be in the interest of the Afghan people, one that will keep our country good forever," he said.

The pact represents "the breathing space during which the people of Afghanistan can take the first of many steps that will be required before a broad-based, multiethnic and truly representative government can be established," said U.N. envoy Lakhdar Brahimi.

In tune with realities on the ground, the deal gave most posts in the six-month interim Cabinet due to take power Dec. 22 -- including defense, foreign affairs and interior -- to the Northern Alliance, which has captured most of the country backed by U.S. forces.

The list also reflects international pressure to include women; two were named as ministers.

The accord sets the stage for a 21/2-year transitional period as a prelude to democratic elections and the drafting of a constitution based on principles of "Islam, democracy, pluralism and social justice."

The document empowers the former king, Mohammed Zahir Shah, 87, to return to Kabul next year and convene a loya jirga, a gathering of 1,500 tribal elders, which will select a transitional government intended to lead the country to democratic elections and a new constitution.

Brahimi said he would go to Afghanistan early next week to begin preparations for the transfer of power from the nominal Northern Alliance leader Burhanuddin Rabbani.

"The real work starts now," Brahimi said. "The real difficulties are going to start when this interim administration that has been agreed upon here goes to Kabul."

- Information from Knight Ridder was used in this report.

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