He asked whether there was a "plan B" of by-passing president Karzai if he failed to stamp out corruption.

BBC: Afghanistan statement

Afghan President Hamid Karzai has told a special meeting of parliament that both lawmakers and the country's international allies need to do more to stamp out corruption.

BBC: President Karzai launches Afghan anti-corruption push

Italy's mainstream parties are scrambling to shore up support ahead of April elections and to stave off challenges from populist parties, which aim to siphon voters with pledges to stamp out corruption and ditch the euro.

WSJ: Scandals Rain on Berlusconi's Party