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Karzai Says His Office Received 'Transparent' Cash Payments From Iran
October 25, 2010
Afghan President Hamid Karzai has acknowledged that his chief of staff received cash payments from Iran but said the payments were transparent and a form of official aid.
Speaking to journalists in Kabul, Karzai said Iran had been "assisting" his office with $700,000-$975,000 a year for official presidential expenses.
His comments came in response to a "New York Times" report that said Iran was giving the president's chief of staff, Umar Daudzai -- a former ambassador to Iran -- "cash by the bagful" to secure his allegiance and promote Iranian interests in Afghanistan.
"Afghanistan is a country that knows its business well, and we are grateful to Iran for the help that they are giving and Daudzai is receiving that help under my instruction," Karzai said.
He said several "friendly" governments give his office money because it lacks revenue.
"The New York Times" quoted unnamed Afghan and Western sources as saying the money -- allegedly totaling millions of dollars -- had been used to pay Afghan lawmakers, tribal elders and even Taliban commanders to buy their loyalty.
compiled from agency reports
Copyright (c) 2010. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.
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