HSBC imposes restrictions on large cash withdrawals

Some HSBC customers have been prevented from withdrawing large amounts of cash because they could not provide evidence of why they wanted it, the BBC has learnt.

Listeners have told Radio 4’s Money Box they were stopped from withdrawing amounts ranging from £5,000 to £10,000.

HSBC admitted it has not informed customers of the change in policy, which was implemented in November.

Karzai wants US guarantee to strike Pak militarily in case country’s security threatened

Islamabad, July 7 (ANI): Afghan President Hamid Karzai wants a mutual security pact with the United States that would compel the super power to protect Afghanistan against Pakistan.

Under the pact, the U.S., if possible, even take direct military action against Taliban havens on Pakistani soil, the New York Times quoted Afghan sources as saying.

Karzai orders NATO out after massacre

Afghan President Hamid Karzai has told NATO its troops should withdraw from villages and return to their bases as the Taliban suspend nascent talks with the United States.

The President’s demand follows the unprecedented massacre of 16 civilians by a US soldier and coincides with a visit to the country by US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta.

A spokesman for the President said he told Mr Panetta Afghanistan is ready to take over all security responsibilities now and would prefer the NATO withdrawal to be completed in 2013 rather than 2014.

Full article: Karzai orders NATO out after massacre (Australia Network News)