Karzai Talks Tough on Corruption With Alleged Druglord by His Side

KABUL, Afghanistan Nov. 3, 2009 — -- In his first speech since being declared the winner of a second presidential term, Afghan President Hamid Karzai promised to tackle the corruption that has come to define his government in the eyes of many Afghans.

"We are aware of the difficulties of our governance and the environment in which we live," Karzai sad. "We will keep trying our best to address the questions that we have, facing Afghanistan and to ensure that the wishes of Afghan people come true towards an effective, clean government, legally bound."

Karzai did not offer specific measures to fight corruption and while he spoke, running mate Marshal Muhammad Qasim Fahim was at his side. Fahim, a former defense minister, is accused of trafficking drugs.

Asked if he would fire ministers suspected of crimes, Karzai said the problems can't be solved solely by changing personnel.

Acutely aware that many Western officials see him as part of the problem, Karzai also vowed to respect the financial commitment Western nations have made to the country, saying he would "make sure that the taxpayer money coming to us from your countries is spent wisely and rightly by us, the Afghan government."

Karzai had some critical words for his former challenger, Abdullah Abdullah, for leaving the race. However, he offered an olive branch to his opponents.

"As I've stated earlier, it will be a government of unity," he said. "It should be a government for all Afghan people."