Separate deals for foreign presence after 2014

KABUL after 2014 — when all international combat troops are scheduled to leave — should reach individual agreements with his administration.

After an end to the NATO) framework, the president told a joint session of parliament.

Making clear that Afghanistan being s sovereign nation desired good relations with all countries on equal terms, he said the Bilateral Security Agreement being negotiated with Washington was in Kabul’s interest.

Karzai quoted the NATO secretary-general as saying that several countries wanted to maintain their presence in Afghanistan beyond 2014.  However, the president clarified those countries would have to sign separate deals with the Kabul government.

The foreigners’ stay was not only beneficial for Afghanistan, it was also in their own interest, he remarked. “It’s not a unilateral matter. Naturally, we will look at our interest — and their benefits as well.” But a final decision on it would have to be taken by the people.

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