Karzai Vows Strides in Security, Corruption Fight
Nov. 19 (Bloomberg) -- Afghan President Hamid Karzaipledged to pursue peace with militants, fight corruption anddrugs and build a national security force capable of defendinghis country within his next five-year term, which began today.
Karzai’s second inaugural speech, delivered beforedignitaries including Secretary of State Hillary Clinton,attempted to answer points of discord with international donors.
As President Barack Obama considers a request to send asmany as 40,000 additional American troops to Afghanistan to rootout a stubborn insurgency, the U.S. and NATO allies are pressingKarzai to crack down on graft and insecurity, and appointofficials on merit, not political alliances.
“Security and peace cannot be achieved through fightingand violence,” so “national reconciliation” with insurgentswilling to leave the battlefield will top his agenda, Karzai,51, told 800 guests from dozens of countries at the heavilyfortified presidential palace in the capital, Kabul.
With “continued international support,” Karzai vowedAfghanistan will build the capacity of its own security forces,and within five years should take “the lead in ensuringsecurity and stability across the country,” according to apalace translation of remarks he delivered in Dari and Pashtu,the two national languages. Within two years, the widespread useof private security firms should cease, with their dutiesdelegated to Afghan security forces, he said.
He also promised a law to require top officials to declarethe sources of their assets and to prosecute those involved inbribery and drug trafficking.
Election Fraud
His swearing-in capped three months of tension over an Aug.20 election marred by widespread fraud and low voterparticipation in insurgent-plagued areas. Karzai was declaredthe winner after the runner-up, former Foreign Minister AbdullahAbdullah, pulled out of a planned Nov. 7 runoff, saying a fairvote was impossible.
Karzai referred to Abdullah, who didn’t attend theinauguration, and another electoral rival who enjoys support inWashington, former Finance Minister Ashraf Ghani, in his speechand invited them to contribute “to the rebuilding” of thecountry.
As Karzai was being inaugurated, two U.S. soldiers servingwith the North Atlantic Treaty Organization were killed insouthern Afghanistan, the alliance said in an e-mailedstatement. The two were struck by an improved explosive device,which Agence France-Presse identified as a car bomb.
Karzai’s Grievances
Karzai, who was first installed as an interim leader in2002, raised two longstanding complaints his administration hashad with the international community: the loss of civilian livesin military operations and the funneling of aid throughinternational rather than Afghan organizations.
Currently, 20 percent of international funds are directedto the Afghan government’s budget, Karzai said, urging thatdonors double that figure this year and direct half of all aidfunds through Afghan agencies within two years.
Clinton yesterday told reporters that further civilianassistance from the U.S. will hinge on Karzai’s seriousness infighting corruption, and said the Obama administration expectsthe establishment of a major crimes tribunal and an effectiveanti-corruption commission.
Afghanistan dropped to the second-lowest spot inTransparency International’s latest survey of corruptionworldwide. Karzai today called for “transparency andaccountability” in the spending of foreign aid as well.
Corruption, Drugs
Karzai called for “honest” officials to be appointed,while installing Mohammad Fahim, who is alleged to be involvedin corruption and the drug trade, as first vice president today.
“We welcome and will provide necessary help to alldisenchanted compatriots who are willing” to leave thebattlefront and live in peace, Karzai said.
Clinton yesterday said Karzai had a “window ofopportunity” to meet international demands such as theappointment of officials based on merit, not patronage. On herfirst trip to Kabul as the top U.S. diplomat, Clinton met Karzaiand conferred with senior U.S. and NATO officials about civilianand military strategy.
Karzai, first installed in 2002, has a chance to make a newstart with the people of Afghanistan based on “accountabilityand tangible results,” Clinton said. Estimates from electionmonitors that as many as a quarter of votes in the August ballotwere faked have undermined Karzai’s legitimacy as a partner foran expanded U.S. commitment in the country.
Social Welfare
Obama’s decision on whether to increase the U.S. presencebeyond 68,000 troops has been complicated by concern that a newKarzai administration, hobbled by graft and unable to extendgovernment authority nationwide, may be an unreliable partner.
Clinton struck a balance yesterday between pressing Karzaito improve governance and showing U.S. support. She praised hisaccomplishments in improving social welfare, while stressingthat the U.S. expects more cooperation on combating graft andemploying Afghan forces to defend their own people.
Before attending the inauguration, Clinton met today withdiplomats from North Atlantic Treaty Organization countries, theUnited Nations and other allies assisting Afghanistan. She toldthem she was reassured by her 90-minute meeting with Karzai lateyesterday and talks with his cabinet ministers.
To contact the reporter on this story:Indira A.R. Lakshmanan in Kabul at ilakshmanan@bloomberg.net.
Last Updated: November 19, 2009 07:31 ESTSource: Bloomberg
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