Afghanistan's Karzai Intends to Create Unity Government

President Hamid Karzai told a news conference in Kabul that improving security and ensuring good governance will remain high on his agenda as he embarks on a new five-year term. In order to achieve these goals, the Afghan leader says he will work towards establishing what he described as "a national unity government".

"My government will for all Afghans and all those who want to work with me are most welcomed regardless of whether they opposed me in the election or they supported me in the election," Karzai said.

President Karzai's administration has remained under fire from the United States and other Western allies for not taking concrete steps to root out widespread corruption.  

Earlier, in a telephone call to congratulate him on his re-election, U.S. President Barack Obama urged the Afghan leader to implement reforms and take action against corruption.