Exiled Afghan president Burhanuddin Rabbani returned Saturday to Kabul and vowed to establish a broad-based government in Afghanistan as soon as possible.
"We will try to form a broad-based government as soon as possible, it depends on the seriousness of the Afghan people and the United Nations," Rabbani told a press conference hours after his arrival from northern Afghanistan.
"If there is a delay because of the United Nations we should not be blamed," he said in a veiled criticism of the world body which has expressed impatience at what is seen as Northern Alliance intransigence toward forming a government representing all Afghan groups.
Rabbani was forced out of Kabul by the Taliban in 1996 but has remained the UN-recognized head of state.
The Northern Alliance has said that Rabbani will head an interim administration to run parts of Afghanistan under alliance control until elections are held in two years.
"We will try to form a broad government. We have always supported the traditional process of the 'loya jirga' (grand council) and it will elect the country's leaders," Rabbani said -- KABUL (AFP)
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