Some cabinet picks may be named on Monday

KABUL (Pajhwok): The unity government is likely to send some Cabinet nominees to parliament for a vote of confidence on Monday, a reliable source confided to Pajhwok Afghan News.

The government source, requesting not to be named, said President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Abdullah Abdullah had agreed on some nominees.

He said security ministers would be introduced to the lower house of parliament, Wolesi Jirga, in the first phase. Abdullah has named Noorul Haq Ulumi as defence minister-designate, ending rumours Sattar Murad was being chosen for the slot.

The source said Ashraf Ghani had recommended Jilani Popal to run the Ministry of Finance. However, earlier Islam Rahimi was tipped as a potential finance minister.

Abdullah’s pick for commerce minister is Sardar Mohammad Rahimi while Rahmatullah Nabil has been chosen as head the spy service, National Directorate of Security (NDS).

However, the source said nothing about the Interior Ministry. There has been no word from government officials about the agreed Cabinet nominees.

On Wednesday, Abdullah promised new Cabinet members before the end of the timeframe given by President Ashraf Ghani.

Reforms would be introduced in all key state institutions, including the electoral system, he said told reporters in Kabul, calling good governance a top priority for the national unity government.

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