The spokesman for the U.N. Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, Adrian Edwards, said the lack of funding threatens to undermine plans for the polls scheduled for September 18.

He told reporters in Kabul the "huge investment" already made to prepare Afghanistan for the polls will be lost if the pledged money does not come in.

Meanwhile, a U.S. general in Afghanistan says he believes Taleban militants have become more ruthless and willing to use suicide bombers and child fighters to subvert the polls in September. But Major General Jason Kamiya says U. S. and coalition forces are going to keep fighting to ensure the elections go through.