June 11, 2002	Tuesday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 29, 1423

KABUL, June 10: Afghanistan’s former king, Mohammed Zahir Shah, ruled himself out as a candidate for head of state on Monday under pressure from the United States after a row over his role plunged the long-awaited Loya Jirga into chaos.

The 87-year-old was due to inaugurate the grand assembly, but organizers had to announce a delay when it became clear his supporters would back him as the new leader of Afghanistan.

He then gave his full endorsement to interim leader Hamid Karzai, who was sitting to his right, to become head of the transitional government.

“I am appreciative of the valuable services rendered by Mr Hamid Karzai, chairman of the interim administration, and fully support his candidacy as head of the transitional administration,” Zahir Shah said at a press conference.

Karzai then told reporters that the former king would continue in his role as “father of the nation”, and he thanked him for his public backing.

“On this occasion, I would like to very humbly thank his majesty the former king of Afghanistan who is the father of this nation, was the father of this nation, and will continue to be the father of this nation,” he said.

US PRESSURE: It appeared that the ex-monarch was reacting under pressure from the United States, worried that the row could jeopardize close ally Karzai’s chances of remaining head of government.

The first indication that Zahir Shah was out of the running came from US special envoy to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad, who told a hastily convened press conference that Zahir Shah was not a candidate for head of state.

“He would like to issue a statement this evening that he is not a candidate for head of state or the government... and that he supports Mr Karzai’s candidacy,” Khalilzad said.

A well-informed source said it appeared the United States had pushed for a postponement of the start of the assembly because of the failure to reach a power-sharing agreement.

“Khalilzad has asked for a delay because there’s no deal on the table yet,” the source said, in a sign of international concern that a government cobbled together at the last minute could later break apart.—AFP