Afghan government asks for massive donation
Hamid Karzai appeals to the international community for funding
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Thursday, 12, Jun 2008 11:20
Afghanistan's president has today appealed to international donors for funding to help with road-building, agriculture and policing in the country.
Hamid Karzai told the meeting in Paris that Afghanistan would continue to fight corruption in the country having so far thwarted and frustrated aid efforts since the ousting of the Taliban in 2001.
"Afghanistan needs large amounts of aid, but precisely how aid is spent is just as important," he added.
The Afghan government is reported to be hoping on securing between $15 and $20 billion (£10.3 billion) from donors at the Paris conference.
US first lady Laura Bush has already pledged $10.2 billion (£5.23 billion) on behalf of the US and called on others to follow their lead.
"Afghanistan has reached a decisive moment for its future. We must not turn our back on this opportunity," she said.
UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon also urged the international community to donate funds towards Afghanistan and help it overcome its crippling corruption.
"Every act of corruption is a deliberate act by someone in a position of authority," he declared.