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CNN Saturday Morning News

Interim Afghan Government Takes Office

Aired December 22, 2001 - 07:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: We begin with the dawn of a new era in Afghanistan and the long journey ahead for its new leaders.

Thirty people sharing diverse backgrounds but a common mission took the oath of office this morning in the capital city of Kabul. Together, they are to lead the wartorn nation on a rocky road to regroup and rebuild.

CNN's John Vause joins us with the latest. Hi, John.

JOHN VAUSE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hello, Kyra.

Well, a day of optimism, a day of hope here in Afghanistan, especially in the capital of Kabul, a very emotional swearing-in ceremony today at the interior ministry, one of the few buildings which could actually house such an event, because so many buildings here have been damaged by so many years of war.

At that ceremony, a very poignant moment. The incoming interim leader, Hamid Karzai, embracing the outgoing president, Rabbani. Rabbani, of course, was ousted, if you like, or sent out by the Taliban when they swept into power about five years ago. He was still recognized as the official head of Afghanistan. Today he handed power over peacefully to Karzai. That embrace, that hug, a very symbolic moment.

Also at that ceremony today, Karzai swore in the 29 other ministers who will make up this interim administration for the next six months. Notably, two women take up ministerial positions. Now in his speech today, Karzai said he would respect women's rights. He also pledged to rebuild the education system and to improve the army.

But it's a tough road ahead for Karzai and also for this interim administration. This is a country which has an uncertain future. And in the very short term, there's a very cold, hungry winter approaching. This country has suffered years of drought. And when the Taliban fled, it took -- it emptied the coffers, so there's no money there. They need $20 million immediately from the U.N. simply to pay salaries and to get this interim administration up and running -- Kyra.

PHILLIPS: All right, John, thank you so much.

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