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Calls for war not peace by Afghanistan's new leader

Afghanistan's new president Hamid Karzai says he wants his country to move from an economy of war to one of peace, after he and his interim Afghan government were sworn in a ceremony in Kabul.

Mr Karzai says Afghans who've lived by the gun for so long must be enabled to find other livelihoods, although he's also stressed the importance of continuing the fight against terrorism.

However, the new leader has warned only history would judge the importance of the day's celebrations.

The significance of this day in Afghan history will really depend on what happens in the future. If we deliver to the Afghan people what we promised this will be a great day. If we don't deliver this will go into oblivion. I hope we will deliver properly to the Afghan people and then this day will be remembered nicely.

23/12/01 9:17:11 | ABC Radio Australia News

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