Afghan interior minister survives confidence vote

KABUL, Afghanistan

Afghan Interior Minister Nur ul-Haq Ulumi on Monday survived a vote of confidence after explaining the dynamics of the country’s worsening security situation to lawmakers.

Frustrated by a recent upsurge of violence, lawmakers summoned Ulumi, a former army general, to the Wolesi Jirga (lower house of parliament), where they grilled him regarding his ability to carry out his responsibilities as interior minister.

Answering representatives’ questions, Ulumi -- who has also served as a member of parliament -- blamed foreign interference for fueling ongoing conflict in Afghanistan.