Fahim, who leads the ethnic Tajiks of Jamiat-i Islami, assumed the military leadership of the Northern Alliance after the assassination of Ahmed Shah Masood.

He will serve as defence minister in the interim administration headed by Hamid Karzai.

The first contingent of the British-led multinational peacekeeping force arrived in the city on 21 December. Work is continuing to clear unexploded bombs and mines in the area.

Several countries - including Russia and the United States - have started work to restore their embassies in the capital.