Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai on Monday said he is encouraged by the promise of $16 billion in international aid, but warnned that corruption in his country cannot be rooted out unless donors themselves take more action.
Mr. Karzai said fighting corruption remained a top priority, but noted that his government is not solely to blame. He said the selection process for projects can lead to influence-buying and higher wages for foreign workers that fuels resentment.
Speaking Monday, he said he is grateful for the pledges made at a conference the day before to help his country’s transition after most foreign troops pull out by the end of 2014.
The aid, to be provided over the next four years, is tied to a new monitoring process to assure Afghanistan is on the right track.