Afghanistan's president wants international donors to redirect their financial contributions away from non-governmental organizations in his country, saying a lack of funding for the government is undermining reconstruction efforts.
President Hamid Karzai told Britain's Financial Times Saturday that he will ask for another $4 billion to boost reconstruction efforts, when he addresses representatives at a donor conference in London Tuesday. He said the Afghan people want a stronger government and civil service, and that goal can be met if donors give directly to the government.
The Afghan president acknowledged in the interview that the country is still struggling with problems including narcotics trafficking and corruption. Mr. Karzai also addressed the insurgent violence plaguing his country, saying the acts are a sign of desperation.
Some information for this reoport provided by AFP and Reuters.