Afgan urge US pact deal this year

Published:2013-11-24 17:22:41    

International: Afghan President Hamid Karzai said Sunday that he will sign a security agreement with the United States provided it cooperates in peace efforts and ends raids on Afghan homes.

Karzai was speaking at the end of a four-day meeting of elders and chieftains, which endorsed the pact allowing the US to maintain a military presence in Afghanistan till 2024.

He said he would sign it in return for US "cooperation" in Afghanistan's efforts to make peace with Taliban insurgents.

The Bilateral Security Agreement also has to be approved by the Afghan parliament.

The deal under discussion may see 15,000 foreign troops remain after 2014, although the US says it has not yet taken a decision on any presence.

The soldiers who stay beyond 2014, when most foreign combat forces leave, will primarily train and mentor Afghan forces. BBC & AFP

 

Banglasongbad24/raj