This body of notables nominated by the provincial governors last met in 1973 to ratify the abolition of the monarchy and the birth of the republic.

Its task in 1977 is to approve a new constitution, the main features of which are the vesting of wide powers in the President as Head of State, henceforward to be elected by the Grand Assembly every six years, and the reaffirmation of Islamic institutions as the core of national life.

It endorses the president's policy of nonalignment in foreign affairs and the cultivation of friendship with other Islamic countries.

Agreement on the resumption of air communications between Afghanistan and Pakistan and India is reached, as relations continue to improve.

Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev criticizes Daud for allowing Western specialists into the northern provinces of Afghanistan.