Zahir Shah’s return delayed

Published March 24, 2002

ROME, March 23: The return home of the ex-king of Afghanistan, scheduled for Monday, has been put back until some time in April, a source at the Italian foreign ministry said on Saturday.

The source did not know the reason for the delay, but a government official earlier this week said there were serious concerns for the security of the king’s flight back to Kabul after threats were made against the former monarch.

“In agreement with the ex-sovereign, it has been decided that his return...will take place during the month of April. This has been agreed with the Afghan government and following consultations with the major allies,” the Italian source said.—Reuters

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