Karzai says more than apology needed

KABUL, Afghanistan, March 7 (UPI) -- The top NATO commander in Afghanistan apologized for the deaths of nine Afghan boys during a military operation, but President Hamid Karzai says that won't do.

Responding to the deaths and the apology by Gen. David Petraeus, Karzai told the commander a recurrence of civilian casualties would be "unacceptable," CNN reported, quoting a Karzai office statement.

Karzai's comments relate to a military operation last Tuesday in Kunar province in eastern Afghanistan that was termed a "tragic accident" by U.S. President Barack Obama, CNN reported.

In expressing his regrets, the White House said, Obama agreed with the Afghan president that such incidents only undermine the two countries' joint effort to fight terrorism.

Karzai was quoted as telling Petraeus civilian deaths in coalition operations are the main reason for tensions between his country and the United States, the statement said.

The Afghan president and Petraeus met Sunday in Kabul, an official with NATO's International Security Assistance Force told CNN.

Karzai was quoted as telling the commander that apologies and condemnation of such actions will not ease the pain of the Afghan people.

"We will continue to reinforce the need to protect the lives of innocent Afghans as we pursue a ruthless enemy," the NATO official said.