WASHINGTON, Dec 13: The United States has welcomed the convening of a constitutional assembly (Loya Jirga) in Afghanistan as a major step towards establishing a democratic society in the war-ravaged country.

The loya jirga will begin on Sunday, as scheduled, said the US State Department.

A total of 500 delegates representing various ethnic, religious and political factions are expected to attend the meeting.

“We are pleased to see that 500 delegates representing a cross-section of the Afghan society will join the Loya Jirga to chart the future political course of Afghanistan,” said State Department spokesman Richard Boucher.