Afghan presidential inauguration to be Nov. 19

[November 12, 2009]  KABUL (AP) -- Afghan President Hamid Karzai's inauguration to a second five-year term will be held Nov. 19 at the heavily guarded palace compound in the capital Kabul.

Defense ministry spokesman Mohammad Zahir Azimi said Thursday that arrangements were under way for the inauguration. But it's unclear when the president plans to announce members of his new Cabinet.

Foreign dignitaries are expected to attend the ceremony, although Karzai's relationship with the international community has been rocky since his election, which was marred by fraud. World leaders are hedging financial and military support on Karzai's willingness to battle corruption in his government.

[Associated Press]

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