Clinton Guardedly Optimistic About Karzai Promises

(KABUL, Afghanistan) In an exclusive interview with RFE/RL’s Radio Azadi, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton expressed guarded optimism about Afghan President Hamid Karzai’s promises to take steps to eradicate corruption.

[read the transcript / listen to the interview]

During the interview, which took place shortly after Karzai’s inauguration in Kabul today, Clinton stated that Karzai’s pledge to create a major crimes tribunal, reinvigorate Afghanistan’s anti-corruption commission and ask government ofifcials to list all of their assets “demonstrates good faith on President Karzai’s part.” Clinton also praised the “quality of people in government” and said that if Karzai continues to “utilize the talents of the kind of people I met with last night, I think that we will be able to work together very effectively.”

In response to a question about peace talks with the Taliban, Clinton emphasized that “anyone who would be invited back into society gives up violence” and “there should be an end to any armed capacity outside of the military and the police.”

About Radio Azadi
Radio Azadi is the most popular radio station in Afghanistan, broadcasting uncensored news and information in Dari and Pashto for 12 hours each day. Funded by the U.S. Congress, Radio Azadi was launched in 2002 in an effort to build a peaceful and democratic Afghanistan following the rule of the Taliban.