Delegates set to name new leader

Afghan leaders meeting in Bonn have agreed on the shape of their new interim government - but must decide today who will lead it.

The delegates at the week-long meeting have asked the UN to send a peacekeeping force to help the new interim government start work.

The four Afghan groups at the meeting have decided on a 29-member cabinet. The names of the ministers are due to be confirmed by the end of today, after full consultation with political leaders in Kabul.

The biggest obstacle has been the series of objections raised by the man now in charge in Kabul, Burhanuddin Rabbani, 61 - the last president of Afghanistan recognised by the UN.

Yesterday the Bonn meeting sent a message expressing appreciation to Prof Rabbani for his readiness "to transfer power to an interim authority".