Karzai pledges 'clean' government

Afghan President Hamid Karzai has pledged to lead a "clean" government, a day after winning a new five-year term.

In his first remarks since being declared winner of August's fraud-marred election, he said he would "eradicate the stain" of corruption.

He also pledged an inclusive government for anyone who wanted to work with him whether they supported or opposed him.

Poll officials scrapped a planned run-off after Mr Karzai's challenger pulled out, saying the vote would not be free.

Mr Karzai said in Tuesday's news conference that it would have been better if Abdullah Abdullah, the former foreign minister, had taken part in the vote, which was scheduled for 7 November.

Mr Karzai's administration has been accused of widespread corruption.

On Monday, US President Barack Obama asked Mr Karzai to intensify efforts to eradicate it.

First elected president in 2004, Mr Karzai had been the favourite to win the abandoned second round.