NATO Warns Karzai Against Undermining Alliance

NATO spokesman James Appathurai

NATO has warned Afghan President Hamid Karzai against undermining public support for the alliance's efforts in Afghanistan.

NATO spokesman James Appathurai said today the international community and NATO are making "enormous efforts and sacrifices" to support the Afghan people against terrorism.

"We hope and expect that this is recognized by the Afghan people, including at the highest levels," he added.

The statement comes following Karzai's recent remarks to Afghan lawmakers that the United States was interfering in Afghan affairs, and that the Taliban would become a legitimate resistance movement if Washington continued to do so.

Karzai has also drawn criticism after he accused foreign powers of meddling in last year's fraud-marred presidential election.

compiled from agency reports