Afghan minister threatens to quit

The Afghan economy is a key concern for international donors

Afghanistan's Finance Minister Anwar-ul-Haq Ahady has submitted his resignation to President Hamid Karzai, the minister's office has said.

Mr Karzai's office said it had not yet received a letter of resignation, and Mr Ahady's office would not comment on the reason for his decision.

Mr Ahady has been in his post for four years and was previously the governor of the Afghan central bank.

He was also a university professor and banker in the United States.

World Bank report

The private Afghan newspaper Arman-e Melli also reported the resignation move.

It quoted one source as saying differences with the deputy minister of finance may have led to the decision and another source that Mr Ahady might want to run for president.

International donors this year pledged $20bn in reconstruction aid for Afghanistan.

However in June a World Bank report said the Afghan government had to be more accountable if it was to rebuild its country and economy.

It said the country had to strengthen its institutions to provide better security and services to its citizens.