US official upbeat about security pact

MAZAR-I-SHARIF (PAN and Washington would not be signed.

Director of Communications and Public Diplomacy at US Embassy in Kabul Masha Hamiltun told reporters in Mazar-i-Sharif, the capital of northern Balkh province, Afghanistan and the United States enjoyed strong relations and both countries were trying to further boost their bilateral cooperation.

She said there had been no delay or problem on the part of the US with regard to signing the security agreement and that the Obama administration remained ready if the Afghan government intended to resume talks on the pact

However, she said there were some technical aspects which needed time and attention to be addressed. About the “zero option”, the US official said it could be considered if the BSA was not inked.

She said they were upbeat about the agreement being signed. She believed progress would be achieved soon. Hamiltun also rejected rumors that the US wanted to divide Afghanistan, saying Washington had rendered sacrifices to ensure a united and stable Afghanistan.

To another question, she said the Taliban had closed their Qatar office as a result of internal disputes and the US had no role in this regard.

She said the US was insisting on peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban and was supportive of an intra-Afghan dialogue. She also denied any direct contact between the US and the Taliban since 2012.

ma/mud

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