Afghan cabinet formation in final stage

Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani speaks to the media during an event in Kabul December 10, 2014. [Photo/Agencies]

KABUL - Amid repeated delay in introducing minister-designates to Wolesi Jirga or the Lower House of parliament for approval to form the cabinet, presidential spokesman Nazifullah Salarzai has said that the cabinet would be formed by the end of the month.

Although there is no statement from Arg or the Presidential Palace, Salarzai, in talks with local media emphasized that "the cabinet will be formed within the time set by the president."

President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani who assumed office in late September promised in his maiden speech to form the cabinet within 45 days, a deadline has already expired.

The president at the London Conference on Afghanistan, on Dec 4 stated that the cabinet would be introduced within two to four weeks.

According to local media reports, talks between President Ghani and the chief executive of the government of national unity has been continuing on choosing ministers to form the new cabinet.

Presidential spokesman Salarzai, according to local media, said that the new cabinet would be a professional and capable one to serve the nation.

Salarzai also stated that finding professional persons had been the reason for delaying the cabinet announcement.

Early last weekend, Hajji Mohammad Mohaqiq, the second deputy to the chief executive of the government, said that the important part of the cabinet including finance minister would be introduced to parliament within a couple of days probably on Monday.

However, the failure to introduce cabinet members has created rumors about developing differences between President Ghani and Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah on selecting individuals to become ministers.

Meanwhile, a spokesman for the chief executive, Jawed Faisal, ruled out any differences of opinion between the top two leaders over the selection of cabinet members, saying the ministers' nominees would be introduced to parliament for approval within days.