PARIS, April 3: The most powerful faction in the Afghan interim administration is opposed to any restoration of the monarchy, diplomats said on Wednesday, after supporters of former king Mohammed Zahir Shah began floating the idea.

Mehrabuddin Mastan, the Afghan charge d’affaires in Paris, said the powerful Jamiat faction in the interim administration, has expressed its opposition to any restoration of the monarchy.

He said Jamiat made the declaration last weekend at a gathering of its overseas supporters in London.

“The gathering decided that Zahir Shah can return as a respected figure to open the Loya Jirga, but we do not want a return of the monarchy.’’—AFP