Afghan President apologizes for fleeing, denies reports of taking funds

(News 1st): Former Afghan President Ashraf Ghani denies reports of fleeing the country with about $169m (£123m) in a recent video, in which he apologizes to the people of Afghanistan. "Leaving Kabul was the most difficult decision of my life," he said, adding that he was sorry he "could not make it end differently". Ghani abruptly left Afghanistan as Taliban militants advanced on the capital on 15 August. He said he had not intended to abandon his people but "it was the only way". He further stated that he had devoted 20 years to helping Afghanistan become a "democratic, prosperous and sovereign state". Ghani added that he had "deep and profound regret that my own chapter ended in similar tragedy to my predecessors". Earlier this week the Taliban, which seized control of Afghanistan in a sweeping offensive more than three weeks ago, announced the formation of an all-male interim government to rule the country.