Delegates at a conference on the future of Afghanistan say the talks have stalled over a disagreement within the Northern Alliance over what political leaders to appoint to an interim broad-based government.
The delegates in Bonn, Germany say the rift appears to be between the alliance's chief envoy, Younus Qanooni, and ousted Afghan President Burhanuddin Rabbani, who remains in Kabul.
The reports say Mr. Qanooni has proposed a list of names, but Mr. Rabanni has delayed in giving his approval. Other Afghan delegates in Bonn say despite the snag, they are still pressing ahead to reach agreement.
The transitional government would govern the country until a national council is called next spring.
Meanwhile, the White House says it is premature to send international peacekeepers into Afghanistan, calling conditions there "too fluid and too dangerous".
White House spokesman Ari Fleischer also said today (Friday) that President Bush remains opposed to U-S participation in a peacekeeping mission.
What emerged before today's fourth day of talks is a plan for an executive government body of 15 to 25 members, and a larger council of up to 200 members to handle some legislative duties.
U-N spokesman Ahmad Fawzi says the delegates have only reached a broad agreement, and still have to decide the ethnic and political makeup of the governing bodies. The factions also have yet to agree on a role for exiled former King Zahir Shah