MAZAR-I-SHARIF (PAN):  The governor of northern

Balkh province says he has rejected an offer to be part of a new cabinet that is expected to be unveiled shortly by President Hamid Karzai.

Atta Muhammad Noor, known for his opposition to the president, told journalists in Khulam district on Monday he had received an offer to join the cabinet, which would be announced tomorrow.

However, he had declined the proposal, added Noor, who gave no reason for rejecting the offer. In the same breath, the governor explained he had mended fences with President Karzai.

Without giving details of the 'understanding' reached with the president, Noor suggested he would like to retain the gubernatorial slot.

In response to a query, he welcomed US President Barack Obama's new strategy for Afghanistan. He particularly praised Washington's intention to consult provincial authorities on drawing up more effective development programmes.

During the presidential election campaign, Noor publicly lent his weight to Dr. Abdullah Abdullah -- Karzai's principal challenger -- and had the cheek to fire broadsides at the president.

On one occasion, he alleged massive vote fraud and went to the extent of saying that he would not recognise Karzai's new administration if he was re-elected.

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