US defense chief nudges Karzai to name replacements of ‘equal caliber’ for top posts

US: Sacking of Afghan ministers an internal matter

ABOARD A U.S. MILITARY AIRCRAFT — U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates is avoiding criticism of Afghan President Hamid Karzai over the sacking of two top Afghan security officials.

The men had worked closely with the United States and Gates is urging Karzai to name replacements of “equal caliber.”

Speaking Monday to reporters traveling with him, Gates stepped gingerly in answering questions about the significance of the abrupt resignations Sunday of two key Afghan security officials.

He calls it “an internal matter for the Afghans.”