Afghan MPs take break amid standoff

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Source: Al Jazeera

The Afghan parliament has prolonged months of political uncertainty by breaking up for its winter recess without waiting for President Hamid Karzai to fill nearly half of his cabinet.

The announcement on Sunday means Karzai will appear at an international conference on his country's future on January 28 with 11 of 25 cabinet seats vacant.

Confirming his cabinet is the first big test for Karzai since his re-election in a vote last August marred by allegations of fraud.

He has promised to name competent ministers but also owes favours to regional bosses who helped get him elected. But parliament has twice rejected his choices.

Read more: http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia/2010/01/201011713821963219.html