According to reports, it is expected that the former king of Afghanistan, after nearly 30 years away from his homeland, will leave Rome today for his country. Hamid Karzai, the leader of the interim government of Afghanistan, has traveled to Rome, the capital of Italy, to accompany Mohammad Zahir Shah on his journey to Afghanistan. The former king of Afghanistan is expected to arrive in Kabul on Thursday. Silvio Berlusconi, the Prime Minister of Italy, has stated that Italian security forces will be responsible for the safety of the former king in Afghanistan for a period of three months. Mohammad Zahir Shah, who is now 87 years old, has said that he will enter Afghanistan as a private citizen. He will preside over the Loya Jirga, the traditional tribal council. The task of the Loya Jirga will be to determine the transitional government for Afghanistan for a period of two years, until new elections are held.
Zahir Shah Returns to His Homeland After Thirty Years - 2002-04-16
Former Afghan king Zahir Shah is set to return to Afghanistan after 30 years in exile, accompanied by interim leader Hamid Karzai. His return is significant as he will preside over the Loya Jirga, which will establish a transitional government. This event marks a pivotal moment in Afghanistan's political landscape post-Taliban.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Former Afghan king Zahir Shah is returning to Afghanistan after 30 years in exile, accompanied by interim leader Hamid Karzai. He will preside over the Loya Jirga to help establish a transitional government.
- Zahir Shah has been in exile for nearly 30 years.
- The Loya Jirga will determine Afghanistan's transitional government for two years.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Zahir Shah ruled Afghanistan from 1933 until he was overthrown in 1973, and his return symbolizes a potential reconciliation and rebuilding effort in a war-torn nation.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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