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November 22, 2013

Karzai Seeks Delay of U.S.-Afghan Security Pact as Tribal Elders Weigh Approval 
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Tribal elders in Afghanistan are in their second day of a meeting, known
as a loya jirga, to decide the fate of a military pact with the United
States. The proposed agreement would see thousands of U.S. troops remain
in Afghanistan after a formal withdrawal next year. Addressing the
gathering, Afghan President Hamid Karzai acknowledged there's little
trust between the two governments, but urged support for continued
military ties.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai: "My trust with America is not good. I
don't trust them, and they don't trust me. During the past 10 years, I
have argued with them regarding the security of our people and search of
our people's houses, and they have made propaganda against me. Any
decision you make here, you should consider the future of your
generation's prosperity and decide based on Afghanistan's national
interest. I once again repeat this, that having relations with the world
is for our good and our prosperity. And at the same time, we should have
our independence, which is our dignity."

Karzai triggered a new disagreement on Thursday when he said he would
not sign the proposed agreement until after Afghan elections next year.
The United States has called for a deadline on signing an Afghan
agreement before the end of this year.

 

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