By Country / Afghanistan

German Orchestra To Record New Afghan National Anthem

April 13, 2006 -- The Beethoven Orchestra in Bonn plans to record the definitive version of the Afghan national anthem next week. The anthem's composer, Afghan-born Babrak Wassa, will conduct the orchestra.

Wassa, who has lived in Germany for 25 years, was commissioned by Afghanistan's Ministry of Culture to write the music.

The Afghan government and parliament agreed on lyrics to the anthem last autumn.

(dpa)