KABUL (PAN): President Hamid Karzai on Sunday renewed his call for an end to nighttime raids and the transfer of the main US prison’s control to his government.

At a meeting with a US Senate delegation, led by John McCain, the president said the Afghan nation was extremely sensitive on both issues.

The two sides also exchanged views on long-term cooperation, a strategic agreement and training of Afghan security forces, a statement from the Presidential Palace said.

Expressing satisfaction with the training of Afghan forces, the visiting team hoped the strategic cooperation pact would be inked before the NATO summit, scheduled to be held in Chicago next month.

On the occasion, Karzai said: “Although a traditional Loya Jirga has supported strategic cooperation with the US, it has also set terms for signing the deal.” The conditions include a stop to night raids and respect for Afghanistan’s sovereignty.

Karzai explained the Afghans desired the accord, which should not raise questions about their country’s sovereignty, should be acceptable to the two peoples.

Foreign Minister Dr. Zalmai Rassoul, National Security Advisor Dr. Rangin Dadfar Spanta and Abdul Karim Khurram, administrative head of the presidential office, were also present at the meeting.

pr/mud