With security tight following Taliban threats, Afghans began a crucial meeting yesterday to a approve a constitution designed to take their war-battered country to its first free elections next year.
In an opening speech to the 500-delegate Loya Jirga, or Grand Assembly, President Hamid Kazai defended his controversial bid for a strong presidency, calling it vital after years of war.
After successive delays earlier in the week the assembly finally got underway in a giant tent at a polytechnic campus in west Kabul. It is expected to last from 10 days to several weeks.
Vigorous debate is expected on many of the 160 articles of a published draft constitution, but the central theme is expected to be the sweeping powers sought by Karzai, which critics want diluted by a stronger parliament.
The role of Islam and women will also be on many minds.
Former monarch Mohammad Zahir Shah, the honorary "father of the nation," appealed to the national interest.
He told delegates, "The people have trust in you, and you have responsibility for the constitution. Do not forget them. Act for the benefit of Afghanistan."
But there were early signs of problems with delegates from the Northern Alliance, the backbone of Karzai's government that has also emerged as his main rival, saying its supporters would recommend that the current assembly stay together and act as a parliament to supervise presidential activity.
They said the bloc led by Ahmad Wali Masood, brother of assassinated alliance leader Ahmad Shah Masood, claimed the backing of 241 delegates and would also demand that the 50 delegates appointed by Karzai should not have voting rights.
Karzai's address at times took on the tone of a campaign speech, listing his administration's successes, from a start of reconstruction work to introduction of a new currency.
He said a strong presidency was vital in a war-ravaged country lacking political parties with nationwide support.
"Because we don't have such organizations, small political groups come to these sort of national assemblies to try and create governments by force," he said.
"Experience shows that these organizations just want power and don't think of the national interest," he said. "This is very dangerous for Afghanistan ... Right now, Afghanistan needs one source of power in government."
Karzai, who came to power after a US-led force drove out the Taliban in late 2001 and is widely seen as the only leader able to keep Afghanistan together, has said he will only stand in elections next year if delegates agree to a strong presidency.
On Saturday, he expressed confidence about an agreement but predicted a tough debate.
However, analysts say regional warlords and strongmen have been seeking pledges on greater autonomy, individual positions, or a stronger role for Islamic law in return for their backing, which could sow the seeds for future difficulties.
Karzai addressed delegates from all corners of his diverse and troubled land, from stocky Uzbeks to bearded and turbaned Pashtuns to Tajiks in round pakul hats and rough woollen shawls.
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