'Censored' Afghan minister quits

One of the most senior officials in the Afghan ministry of information has resigned in protest at what he calls high levels of government censorship.

Abdul Hamid Mobarez, who was deputy information and culture minister, said that on two occasions his speeches were suppressed or censored by the ministry.

He accused the minister, Said Makhdoom Rahin, of appointing unqualified people without proper consultation.

So far there has been no reaction from the government.

Correspondents say this is the first time Afghanistan's new government has been directly criticised from within at such a high level.

President Hamid Karzai swore in his new cabinet last week after winning presidential elections on 9 October.