KABUL (PAN): President Hamid Karzai was concerned at the rejection of his 17 cabinet picks by the Wolesi Jirga, or Lower House of Parliament, his spokesman said on Sunday. Addressing a news conference here, Wahid Omar acknowledged the Wolesi Jirga's refusal to approve the nominees for cabinet slots was in accordance with the Constitution. On Saturday, the Lower House endorsed Karzai's seven nominees and threw out 17 others including powerful warlord Ismail Khan, who has been renamed as minister of water and energy. Omar argued the cabinet picks included clean, competent and committed men, with a string of achievements to their credit during their previous ministerial tenure. "The decision of lawmakers has worried the president." he remarked. Those approved after in-depth discussions had the requisite experience and knowledge, the spokesman added. Despite Karzai's concerns, the Presidential Palace respected legislators' decision, he added. "In a democracy, one should respect the responsibilities and decisions of all the pillars of state," observed the spokesman, who revealed Karzai would introduce new nominees to Parliament as soon as possible. In reply to a query, Omar said although a delay in announcing new cabinet members would create certain problems, each ministry had requisite staff to carry out routine activities. "Granted, the delay is not in the government's favour, but if we want to be a democracy, we have to accept such things." Asked if the rejection was linked to President Karzai's campaign promises regarding the offer of portfolios to certain political forces, Omar replied the president wanted to have a cabinet based on merit, experience, competence and tribal sensitivities. Under Afghanistan's Constitution, ministers appointed by the president shall be introduced for approval to the National Assembly. Each ministerial nominee must receive a vote of confidence from parliament before his/her confirmation. frm/mud
