Karzai promises inclusive govt.

KABUL, Afghanistan, Nov. 3 (UPI) -- Afghan President Hamid Karzai, beginning his second term, Tuesday promised an inclusive government in which there will be crucial changes.

Karzai, who was re-elected after his opponent Abdullah Abdullah withdrew from a runoff election set for Saturday, said in a televised speech his government will get rid of the "blemish" of corruption, one of the firm conditions set by his Western supporters, The Times of London reported.

Abdullah withdrew after questioning the credibility of the runoff election.

"Our government will be the mirror of Afghanistan so everyone can see themselves in the mirror," Karzai said in his speech.

"There will be crucial changes in our future government. Afghanistan has been defamed from the view point of administrative corruption ... under whatever means, we will get rid off this blemish."

Karzai welcomed his opponents to join his government. Abdullah had refused to make a deal with Karzai, but the Times said the two have been negotiating privately about ministry seats or incorporating in some way Abdullah's platform.

Addressing a news conference later, Karzai urged the Taliban to lay down arms and join the peace process, Xinhua news agency reported.

Karzai told the reporters he wished Abdullah had taken part in the runoff, the BBC reported.

"We were hoping, and it would have been better for our country, for the democratic process and for us, if our brother Dr. Abdullah had participated in the second round and the second round had taken place," Karzai said.