Brahimi greets former Afghan king on his return from exile

The United Nations top envoy for Afghanistan, Lakhdar Brahimi, was one of the first to greet former King Mohammad Zahir Shah on his return to Kabul from exile, a UN spokesman said today in New York.

According to UN officials, Mr. Brahimi was on hand as the former monarch disembarked from a C-130 aircraft assisted by aides. As Secretary-General Kofi Annan's Special Representative, Mr. Brahimi heads the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).

A small group of girls and young women wearing traditional costumes were present to greet the King and presented him with flowers. No speeches were made during the brief ceremony.