Asia home page | Asia Breaking News

Visit our special sections for latest developments and analysis:

Interim Afghan leader calls for national army to rein in warlords

Interim leader Hamid Karzai has hoisted Afghanistan's new flag in a ceremony in Kabul, and called for a national army to rein in warlords who control much of the country.

Mr Karzai has also admitted he knew all along a battle in the eastern province of Paktia would happen, saying it highlights the need for an Afghan army as soon as possible.

At least 50 people were killed in Paktia last week, in the most serious of several recent clashes between tribal leaders and ethnic commanders.

But Mr Karzai says he believes it won't be the last incident.

Afghanistan will have skirmishes for a long time to come. It's like a sick man getting out of the operation we're still in the ICU. Allow us to go to the recovery room and then walk like normal healthy people. So we wil have these incidents taking place in Afghanistan in the coming days...that does not have any political significance, at all.

6/02/2002 7:43:16 AM | ABC Radio Australia News

More Asia Breaking News 13/03/2002 16:11:19 Afghan and allied troops hunting al-Qaeda in Shahi Kot valley 13/03/2002 16:11:20 Soccer fans clash in Indonesian TV studio 13/03/2002 14:10:23 Supporters wants Khmer Rouge leader released from jail 13/03/2002 14:10:49 Burma's junta confirms anti-coup purge 13/03/2002 14:10:20 Malaysia to deport thousands of illegals 13/03/2002 12:44:18 Russia and Afghanistan in new agreement

Back

Related Stories

6/02/2002 6:06:44 AM
Afghan leade raises the nations' new flag over Kabul

5/02/2002 10:02:18 PM
Afghan leader raises the nations' new flag over Kabul

5/02/2002 1:30:28 PM
Russian Foreign Minister in Kabul talks

5/02/2002 11:21:36 AM
Russia sends top envoy to Kabul

Related Sites

World News from Radio Australia
News across Asia, the Pacific and beyond.