International peacekeepers are investigating an alleged plot to kidnap UN workers in the Afghanistan capital of Kabul and hold them for ransom, but have made no arrests, a spokesman said today.

Afghan and international forces laid a security ring around Kabul today as dignitaries travelled from around the world for the inauguration of Hamid Karzai as Afghanistan’s first popularly-elected president.

MORE than 100,000 Afghan and foreign security forces were on high alert yesterday on the eve of the country's first direct presidential election after more than two decades of war.

More than 100,000 Afghan and foreign security forces were on high alert today on the eve of the country’s first direct presidential election after more than two decades of war.