Afghanistan's former king Zahir Shah told Italian Foreign Minister Renato Ruggiero on Monday that his country must decide its political future by itself, although the United Nations could play a key role in a transitional phase.
Zahir Shah said that only an internal solution binding together Afghan ethnic groups would guarantee future peace and development in the country, Ruggiero said after he and his French counterpart Hubert Vedrine met with Zahir Shah.
"A solution imposed from outside would not be supported by the people," Ruggiero added, citing Zahir Shah.
Zahir Shah also attached great importance to the role of the United Nations in hosting a meeting of tribal leaders in Afghanistan to chart the country's path after the possible demise of the Taliban.
Zahir Shah, who has become a rallying point for anti-Taliban forces hoping to give their country a new start, minimized his own part in the process, the ministers said.
（ Xinhua News Agency 10/16/2001）
