New York: The top UN official in Afghanistan has welcomed the changes announced by President Hamid Karzai to his 26-member cabinet, saying that they reflect the priorities set up by the Government and its people.

The changes announced yesterday pertain to five portfolios, namely the ministers of the interior, education, agriculture, refugees, and parliamentary affairs.

"This reshuffle demonstrates political determination, the importance of implementing more rigorously the agenda set and agreed upon in Paris in June, with a team that can take these issues forward -- particularly the strengthening of the Afghan police and agricultural production," Kai Eide, the Secretary- General's Special Representative for Afghanistan, said in a statement.

As part of the International Conference in Support of Afghanistan, held in the French capital in June, the Government and the international community strengthened the partnership to secure a peaceful and stable nation.

The meeting resulted in, among other things, fresh pledges of resources for the country's rebuilding efforts, as well as the launch of the Government's five-year plan to reduce poverty and promote economic and social development, known as the Afghan National Development Strategy (ANDS).

"I am fully committed to supporting this new Ministerial team and look forward to working with them over the coming weeks and months," Eide added.

Source : PTI