Ambassador sees closer alignment with Afghanistan

WASHINGTON -- America's ambassador to Kabul says he expects to see "even better alignment" between the U.S. and Afghanistan after this week's visit to Washington by Afghan President Hamid Karzai.

But Ambassador Karl Eikenberry sidestepped a question at a White House briefing Monday about whether his concerns about Karzai as a leader had been fully allayed.

Said Eikenberry: "He's the elected president of Afghanistan," adding: "Of course I highly respect President Karzai."

Washington wants to attempt to show respect for Karzai this week after some spats when the sometimes mercurial leader reacted negatively to U.S. criticism over corruption and other issues.