Karzai promises to end corruption

AFGHAN President Hamid Karzai vowed yesterday that his new government would eradicate corruption and unite the country after months of political chaos as he offered an olive branch to Taliban insurgents.

Under pressure from US President Barack Obama to wipe out corruption after a turbulent election process steeped in fraud, Karzai used his first appearance since electoral authorities declared him president to pledge a cleaner rule.

“Afghanistan’s image has been tainted by corruption. Our government’s image has been tainted by corruption,” Karzai told a press conference flanked by vice-president Mohammad Qasim Fahim, who is widely accused of rights abuses.