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Lack of action annoys loya jirga delegates

KABUL JUNE 17. Awaiting presidential guidance on the makeup of the new legislature, delegates to Afghanistan's historic loya jirga groused on Monday about the grand council's lack of progress and wondered if genuine accomplishments were possible with so little time left.

The newly elected Afghan President, Hamid Karzai, was to address the grand council on Monday morning to break a logjam over the makeup of the new legislature. His appearance was put off until the afternoon and had not taken place by its scheduled time.

Frustration, openly evident in various degrees on the loya jirga floor since Saturday, was even more visible on Monday. Delegates grumbled about wasting time and wondered if a process designed to be democratic had either bypassed them or simply become unwieldy. "We are just repeating the same discussions and hearing the same things. There are issues that should be discussed. Mr. Karzai should have come here earlier and announce a Cabinet that is balanced," said a delegate.

Talks have bogged down as delegates charged with establishing a legislature try to decide between an assembly based entirely on geography or one based on population. "It's a very sorry situation," said Fatima Gailani, a delegate. "Such a small thing, (and) they're giving the loya jirga a bad name."

Ismail Qasim Yar, chairman of the loya jirga, had asked Mr. Karzai to address the 1,650 delegates Sunday after the assembly erupted in arguments and accusations over what kind of legislature should represent the country's politically and ethnically fragmented population. Frustrated delegates left the tent by the dozens after Mr. Qasim Yar announced the morning session was devoted to more speeches — and no action.

As the session wore on, only about 10 per cent remained inside. — AP

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