KABUL, Dec 22: The United Nations special envoy to Afghanistan described Saturday’s impending inauguration of an interim power-sharing government as a “momentous day” for the country.

“We pray that this day will mark the end of the long dark night of conflict and the dawn of peace, reconciliation and justice,” said Lakhdar Brahimi.

Brahimi was speaking before the swearing-in of new leader Hamid Karzai.

“December 22, 2001 ... is a momentous day for Afghanistan and for the United Nations and the international community as a whole,” he said in a speech to hundreds of local and foreign delegates at the ceremony.

“After years of bitter war and conflict, power is being transferred from one administration to another, not under the power of guns but peacefully and in pursuance of a political agreement.”

Brahimi described the agreement brokered in Bonn on Dec 5 as “far from perfect” but said it had been widely welcomed by the people of Afghanistan and strongly supported by all countries.

He noted that representatives from every province were attending the swearing-in.

Brahimi said Karzai’s interim government “will draw strength, courage and confidence from the people of Afghanistan whose prayers can almost be heard echoing through the valleys and mountains of this ancient land.”

He praised Afghans for showing “great strength and courage and dignity in the face of tragedy,” with entire generations growing up knowing nothing but war and women and girls oppressed.

Afghanistan had been “physically and psychologically devastated.” Up to five million people and maybe more were still living outside their countries as refugees, mainly in Pakistan and Iran.

“Every Afghan has grown tired of war, conflict and the denial of freedom and human rights.

“The people have now put their faith in the interim administration and this faith must be rewarded so that wounds can be healed and the nation can move on.”

Brahimi said the international community had an important role to play in rebuilding the country “and it has rarely been so unanimous in expressing its determination to help a country recover from conflict.”

He said UN Secretary General Kofi Annan “has expressed his unwavering commitment to the people of Afghanistan and has asked the UN to be vigilant in ensuring that this chance for peace is not squandered.”—AFP