Monday, October 25, 2010

Karzai confirms Iran cash payments

So people of Kabirwala, if you're tired of loathing our own president, here is news about Hamid Karzai...

Afghan President Hamid Karzai has claimed that once or twice a year Iran gives his office $700,000 to $975,000 (£445,000 to £620,000) for official presidential expenses. He says the US has known about the Iranian assistance for years and that Washington also gives the palace "bags of money."

Mr Karzai's comments came in response to a The New York Times report that Iran was giving cash to the Afghan president's chief of staff, Umar Daudzai, to buy his loyalty and promote Iranian interests in Afghanistan.

The newspaper quoted unnamed sources saying the money had been used to pay Afghan lawmakers, tribal elders - even Taliban commanders.

Mr Karzai says several nations give his office money because it lacks revenue.