Afghan leader promises to seek security, development

KABUL, Afghanistan -- Afghanistan's new prime minister was sworn in Saturday before an audience of commanders in combat fatigues, dignitaries in turbans and women in headscarves -- not burqas -- and promised to seek security and development for his war-wrecked nation.

As British peacekeepers patrolled outside, Hamid Karzai told the packed, steamy Interior Ministry hall that history would judge how his interim government meets the daunting challenge of rebuilding a nation left nearly without infrastructure, economically ruined after 23 years of war and deeply divided by ethnic and tribal loyalties.

"If we deliver to the Afghan people what we promise, it will be a great day, and if we don't, then we will go in to oblivion," Karzai told a news conference in the capital following his inauguration.

He said development and security would be his priorities, but he has to work fast. His 30-member administration will be in place for six months until a tribal council picks a two-year government to lead the way to a permanent constitution

The inauguration ceremony emphasized unity. A smiling former President Burhanuddin Rabbani -- the leader of the northern alliance and once seen as a contender for power -- embraced Karzai to the audience's applause and signed a document formally handing over authority.

Some 2,000 people were crammed into the hall -- commanders, tribal leaders and dignitaries in robes or Western suits. Some were returning from years in exile, others traveled to Kabul from far-flung parts of Afghanistan. The few women at the ceremony -- including two women sworn in as ministers -- wore headscarves but not the all-enveloping burqa required by the Taliban.

'Brothers and friends'

Among the foreign diplomats and guests was Gen. Tommy Franks, commander of the U.S.-led military campaign that along with Afghan fighters brought down the hard-line Taliban regime that ruled the country for five years as well as uprooted Osama bin Laden's al-Qaida terror network.

"We should put our hands together to be brothers and friends. Forget the painful past," said Karzai, wearing a traditional lambskin hat and a green-and-purple Uzbek robe. He spoke in his native Pashtu and in Dari, Afghanistan's most popular languages.

The challenges he faces are immediate. Relief workers have warned of widespread hunger during the harsh winter, and 5 million Afghan refugees remain in neighboring countries. The country's finances are in shambles.

Karzai's inauguration was welcomed by European and other governments Saturday, with many pledging aid for reconstruction. The United Nations estimates billions of dollars will be needed.

At the same time, the U.S. military will be leading its hunt for the remnants of the Taliban and al-Qaida -- as well as for bin Laden. Karzai has promised to help find the groups' fleeing leaders.

Also Karzai must start trying to bring central control over a country where bands of men roam the capital with guns and commanders in the provinces have their own private armies and hold the loyalty of many residents.