KABUL (PAN): Minister-designate of commerce Mohammad Hadi Hakimi, citing personal problems, has reportedly conveyed to President Hamid Karzai his inability to join the new cabinet. Karzai's 16 new cabinet picks -- including three women -- appeared before the Wolesi Jirga for approval on Saturday‏.‏ Second Vice-President Karim Khalili introduced them to legislators for vetting and voting. Hakimi was nominated for the slot of commerce minister. A reliable source confided to Pajhwok Afghan News Hakimi had cited personal and domestic reasons for being unable to appear before lawmakers. Hakimi was in Canada when his name was included in the second cabinet slate. He was expected to arrive in Kabul today from Toronto. "He has informed the Presidential Palace about his decision," the source revealed. The source believed Karzai might name Obaidullah Adnan, director of the Professional Development Institute at the American University of Afghanistan (AUAF), for the slot. But a presidential spokesman, when approached for comments, told Pajhwok Afghan News they had not yet received any regrets from Hakimi. ma/mud