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Afghanistan
Karzai half-brother accused over theft of Defense Ministry land
2010-05-20
Long the subject of allegations of criminality, a half-brother of President Karzai has for the first time faced public accusation from within the Afghan Government.

According to the report, one tract of land owned by the ministry is occupied by 290 shops and four hotels built and later sold by one of Mr Wali Karzai's relatives.
A dossier prepared by Major-General Sher Mohammad Zazi, the Corps Commander of the Afghan Army in Kandahar, was leaked yesterday. It accuses Ahmad Wali Karzai of using his influence to help associates in the illegal appropriation of government land around the southern city of Kandahar, where he leads the Kandahar Provincial Council and wields huge influence.

Mr Wali Karzai responded by demanding an investigation to clear his name and announced that he and the rest of the council would go on strike.

He added that he wanted the United Nations and the international media to witness any investigation. The dossier says: "These irresponsible individuals and land occupiers have not paid rent or are charging their tenants rent that exceeds what theyre paying the [Defence] Ministry to use the land."

According to the report, one tract of land owned by the ministry is occupied by 290 shops and four hotels built and later sold by one of Mr Wali Karzais relatives. His associates are occupying another piece of land once used by the Afghan National Army.

Last week a senior Western diplomat described a continuing struggle between factions loyal to Mr Wali Karzai and the Presidents Popolzai tribe on the one hand, and the former provincial governor and head of the rival Barakzai tribe, Gul Agha Sherzai, for control of the vastly profitable industries the war generates in the south. "Hes a polarising figure in a titanic battle of turf between the Sherzais and Karzais -- the convoy business, convoy security, international contracts, land, probably dope," the official said.

The Times questioned Mr Wali Karzai last week on the allegations of land appropriation in Daman, close to Kandahar City and Hijran Kareez. Denying the claims, he said: "We [the Karzais] have lots of land. I dont need land. If I can take care of my own land that would be good."

A Defence Ministry spokesman offered little support to General Zazis claims. "I heard about this case," said General Zahir Azimi, "but the corps in Kandahar has not sent any official letter."

In view of an imminent offensive in Kandahar, The Times understands that Nato commanders have decided that they have little choice but to seek the co-operation of Mr Wali Karzai. General David Petraeus, head of US Central Command, held talks with the Presidents half-brother this month.
Posted by:lotp

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