U.S. Pays $4.2M for Afghan Official's NYC Pad
The Kabul Press reports:
Among the billions of dollars being spent propping up the Karzai government are some choice bits of New York City real estate. Number 1 is a 2, 400 sq. ft. 3-bedroom corner apartment in the Trump World Tower, one of the world’s most expensive addresses. It was chosen by Zahir Tanin, Afghanistan’s Ambassador to the United Nations, who lives there with his wife.
The apartment features mahogany kitchen cabinets, 10-ft. ceilings, a library, huge kitchen, and “iconic views” of New York City through floor-to-ceiling windows with remote control curtains, all courtesy of the Afghan government. Amenities available to building residents include private Pilates and massage rooms, and a full-size swimming pool.
The $4.2 million purchase price does not include monthly utilities and condo fees that reach $7,000+ per month, more than the rent of many luxury Manhattan apartments. A detailed description of the apartment, with photos, appears on the realtor’s website.
According to Kabulpress sources, eight other diplomats working in the Mission’s offices live about one hour away. The average rent for them is over $20,000 per month—extremely pricey even for Manhattan real estate. The previous Ambassador, Mr. Farhadi paid only $7,000 per month for all rent and expenses.
“Other ambassadors, like Taib Jawad (Afghan Abmassador to the U.S.) are living in luxury residences, why not me?” our source quotes Tanin as saying.
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