Sovereign Afghanistan our goal: White House

WASHINGTON (PAN that was not a safe haven for terrorists, the White House said on Monday, refusing to comment on a news report regarding CIA supplying cash to President Hamid Karzai’s office.

“We and our Afghan partners remain committed to our shared strategy and goals of a fully sovereign Afghanistan that is not a safe haven for Al Qaeda and that is responsible for its own security,” the White House press secretary told reporters at his daily news conference.

“That’s why the president has put in place a policy where, after plussing up forces there and training Afghan National Security Forces, we are now drawing down American forces, keeping the president’s commitment to do so, as we transfer security lead over to the Afghans,” Jay Carney said.

He, however, did not respond to questions on a news report in The New York Times, which alleged the CIA supplied money to President, Hamid Karzai in suitcases, backpacks and sometimes in even plastic grocery bags on a monthly basis.

“Is the president aware of these CIA payments?” he was asked. “You’re making an assertion about something I have no comment on,” the official remrked.

The State Department maintained a similar posture. “I have nothing for you on that one way or another,” its spokesman Patrick Ventrell told reporters. “Our Department has done extensive cooperation and development work over the years, but I have nothing for you on these specific claims.”

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