January 1, 2002	Tuesday	Shawwal 16, 1422

KABUL, Dec 31: The issue of adherence to the Islamic code held up the expected signing of a deal on deploying foreign peacekeepers in Afghanistan, an interior ministry official said.

“Last night we would have signed the agreement but it did not happen because of two articles in this agreement,” said General Deen Mohammad, an interior ministry official.

The question of adhering to the Islamic code held up the deal, he said. “For example, drinking alcohol and also sexual affairs is usual in the countries the troops come from. They must obey Afghanistan’s laws.” —AFP