World applauds new government as step towards peace

An anxious world welcomed the inauguration of Afghanistan’s interim government as a hopeful first step toward an elusive peace, with some countries backing their applause today with pledges for economic aid and renewed diplomatic ties.

In neighbouring Pakistan, President General Pervez Musharraf congratulated Hamid Karzai, the 44-year-old Pashtun tribal leader who will preside over the new coalition government, and promised support for the daunting task of rebuilding the war-shattered nation.