US criticises Afghanistan's Karzai

The United States Government has criticised Hamid Karzai's decision to hold a snap presidential election within weeks, saying the security situation is too precarious.

Hours after the Afghan President issued a decree ordering that the poll be held no later than April 21, in line with the constitution.

However, the US State Department said August would be best for a free and fair election.

In January the country's election watchdog said that, in practical terms, an election could not be held until August 20.