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

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KABUL, June 10: Former Afghan king 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 Loya Jirga into chaos.

Zahir Shah was due to inaugurate the Jirga, but organizers had to announce a delay when it became clear his supporters would back him as the new leader of Afghanistan. Zahri Shah’s first public appearance instead was at a press conference where he was forced to issue a statement delivered by an aide saying he was not standing for any position.

“As I have also mentioned, I have no intention of restoring the monarchy and am not a candidate for any position in the emergency Loya Jirga. My sole aim is to serve the suffering people of Afghanistan,” the statement said.

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