"Mr. Brahimi said that the King was willing to play a major role in the country's future without wanting anything for himself," spokesman Hamid Abdeljaber told reporters in Islamabad. "He also said that the King was willing to help in the manner that is useful and acceptable by everyone."

Mr. Brahimi had met with King Zahir Shah on Wednesday in Rome, where he also held talks with Italian Foreign Minister Renato Ruggiero, who emphasized the important role of the United Nations in fostering a solution to the crisis, according to the spokesman. "Mention was made, among other things, of the prospect of setting up a possible intervention force in Afghanistan," said Mr. Abdeljaber.