KABUL - The Chief Executive of the National Unity Government (NUG), Abdullah Abdullah, officially began his work by chairing the first Council of Ministers meeting at the Sedarat in Kabul on Monday.

At the meeting, Abdullah stated that the cabinet of the new government will undergo major changes, adding that he and his deputies will stand by their campaign commitments.

"We are determined to fulfill all our commitments," Abdullah said. "We are committed to enforce the rule of law, fight against corruption, maintain good governance, restore security and bring reforms to the country's electoral systems. We will also ensure that the Loya Jirga to amend the constitution takes place as promised."

He added that, "all these initiatives aim to improve the living standards of our people."

Moreover, Abdullah's deputies asked the acting ministers to work hard and continue to serve the people, adding that the ministers should stop their foreign trips and focus on resolving public concerns instead.

"Instead of touring around Dubai, Australia and Canada, it would be better to travel to the provinces," Abdullah's first deputy, Mohammad Khan said. "If our honorable ministers, the president and the chief executive visit the provinces, people will never feel distant from the government."

Second Deputy Mohammad Mohaqiq asked the ministers "to continue to work hard until the formation of the new cabinet."

The agenda for the first meeting of the Council of Ministers included the participation of Afghanistan in the London Summit, the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) leaders' summit, winter preparations, transfer of sufficient food items to the provinces and keeping the Salang passage open during winter.

The chief executive is expected to hold weekly meetings with the Council of Ministers as well as independent directorates.  (Tolonews)