Karzai Sworn in as Afghan Transitional President

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Thursday, June 20, 2002

Karzai Sworn in as Afghan Transitional President

Hamid Karzai was sworn in on Wednesday as President of the Afghan Transitional Government before the Loya Jirga came to a close.

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Hamid Karzai was sworn in on Wednesday as President of the Afghan Transitional Government before the Loya Jirga came to a close.

"In the name of god, I swear that I will protect the independence, territorial integrity and the Constitution of Afghanistan," Karzai said in front of more than 1500 delegates to the Loya Jirga.

Led by Chief of Supreme Court Fazl Hadi Shenwari, Karzai, in traditional Pashtun green robe and black-and-white turban, promised that he will try his best to promote development and prosperity in Afghanistan.

During a speech delivered before the inauguration, Karzai said a strong central government must be established and all the army must obey the rule of the Defense Ministry.

"I promise that I will bring peace and safety to the Afghan people. If I can not fulfill my pledges, I will resign," said Karzai, waving his hand strongly.

He said he will fight relentlessly against corruption to build a clean and transparent government, adding that all the Afghan people, powerful or powerless, rich or poor, are equal before the law.

Concerning the economic reconstruction, Karzai said that Afghanistan should depend on itself to develop the national economy.

"We should stand on our feet and not turn to foreign countries for food and assistance," he said.

He stated firmly that all the smuggling of national properties,such as cultural heritage and precious woods, must be eradicated.

He also pledged to uphold the Islamic rules and safeguard social justice and human rights. He invited mass media to criticize his mistakes.

Concerning the debated issue of the national assembly, Karzai reiterated his proposal that five delegates from each of the nine electoral regions stay in Kabul after the Loya Jirga for further discussions about the formation of the national assembly.

The rest of the delegates, after returning to their home areas,will form Shuras, or councils, at the district level to monitor and assist the function of local authorities, said Karzai.

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