Karzai says widespread charges of corruption politically motivated

Kabul, Mar 27 (ANI): Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai has said that accounts of widespread corruption within his government are exaggerated and politically motivated.

Government figures, including relatives of Karzai, have been accused of abusing their connections for profit.

Karzai told a news conference every government employee would be required to publicly declare his or her income, the BBC reported.

The Afghan President said he earned 500 dollars a month, had savings of 10,000 dollars in a bank in Germany and had no assets.

"I also want to say that the total value of the jewellery in our house is about 10,000 dollars. I don't have a private car, a house or land and I haven't got any other sources of income."

Karzai is expected to run for re-election in August but US-Afghan relations have taken a downturn as senior American officials have questioned the effectiveness and honesty of his government.

Earlier this month, Karzai's businessman brother Mahmoud denied complaints that he was using the president to get favourable contracts.

President Karzai has also denied that he allows anyone to use his name to get contracts or deals. (ANI)