The Obama administration is voicing new concerns about critical statements Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai has been making about the U.S. role in his country.
Presidential spokesman Robert Gibbs was asked on Monday about reports Mr. Karzai threatened to abandon the political process and join the Taliban insurgency if pressure continued for him to reform the government.
Mr. Gibbs said a planned meeting in Washington May 12 between Mr. Karzai and President Barack Obama remains on schedule.
Afghan lawmakers speaking on condition of anonymity said Mr. Karzai dismissed concerns on Saturday over damage to relations with the United States and said he had clarified things in a telephone conversation with Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.
