KABUL - The announcement of the new cabinet of National Unity Government was further delayed for another two to three weeks with President Ghani and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Abdullah Abdullah insisting on the need for further assessment of individual ministers.

Speaking during a press conference, President Ghani said the current acting ministers will no longer serve and instead will hand over responsibilities to the respective deputy ministers.

President Ghani further added that the former cabinet ministers will not serve in the new cabinet and the new nominees will be gradually introduced to the parliament house to receive vote of confidence from the lawmakers.

In the meantime, Dr. Abdullah said the new cabinet would be merit based where talented individuals would be introduced for each ministry.

This comes as sources in Presidential Palace said that President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Abdullah Abdullah have reached to further agreements for the formation of the new cabinet.

The officials also added that the new cabinet will include seats for at least four women.

The introduction of new acting ministers comes as the Lower House of Parliament – Wolesi Jirga questionned the legitimacy of the National Unity Government for being failed to introduce the new cabinet ministers.

The lawmakers criticized the national unity government for being failed to form the new cabinet, while insisting that the Afghan constitution do not allow the acting ministers to serve more than two months. (KP)