Return of exiled king to Afghanistan is postponed until April

(ROME) - The exiled Afghan king's long-awaited return to his homeland was postponed Saturday until next month, the Italian government announced. <br><br>Ex-King Mohammad Zaher Shah, 87, had been expected

Saturday, March 23rd 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(ROME) - The exiled Afghan king's long-awaited return to his homeland was postponed Saturday until next month, the Italian government announced.

Ex-King Mohammad Zaher Shah, 87, had been expected to leave Rome, his home since his ouster in a 1973 coup, on Monday and arrive in Kabul on Tuesday.

The Foreign Ministry did not give a departure date, but the Afghan Embassy in Rome said it was told the Italian government wanted several more weeks to organize the trip.

``The trip was postponed to the month of April by the Italian government, not by our side,'' the king's secretary, Hamid Sidig, said. ``They have some logistical and technical concerns. We agree, we understand and we are cooperating.''

He said no new date has been set.

``It is hard for everybody, but we accept it,'' he said. ``His majesty is not disappointed. He is still in a very good mood. He's happy to be in his homeland soon.''

Italian officials have expressed concerns about Zaher Shah's security when he returns to Afghanistan.

The Foreign Ministry said the decision to put off the trip was made after consultations with the former monarch as well as key allies. Italy is part of an international peacekeeping force in Afghanistan.

The leader of Afghanistan's interim government, Hamid Karzai, had been expected in Rome over the weekend to accompany the king home. But earlier in the day he had hinted that a delay might be in the works.