Monday, December 19, 2005

Oh, By The Way

KABUL (Reuters) - Former warlords, ex-communists, Taliban defectors and women activists were sworn in on Monday as members of the first Afghan parliament in more than 30 years amid hopes of national reconciliation after decades of bloodshed.

The inauguration was peaceful despite threats by Taliban guerrillas and was greeted with tears of emotion although there is disappointment that many in the parliament are accused of serious rights abuses and links to the drugs trade.

"This meeting is a sign of us regaining our honor," President Hamid Karzai said after swearing in the 351 lower and upper house members.

"This homeland will exist for ever!" he declared, prompting tears from many delegates.

But really, is this even newsworthy?

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