Day 2: Committees start debate on security pact

KABUL and the US.

Amid tight security arrangements, the four-day Loya Jirga on the vital pact got under way in Kabul on Thursday. Participants of the event advise the government on whether or not the deal should be signed.  

Around 2,500 people’s representatives, tribal chieftains, scholars, MPs, women tribe, traders and rights activists are attending the grand assembly.  

American troop immunity and their unilateral operations have been the main controversial issues. But the two sides seem to have resolved differences on the points.

Sadiq Mudabbir, the preparatory commission secretariat chief, told Pajhwok Afghan News members of 50 jirga committees would discuss the deal today and tomorrow.

On the fourth and final day, committee heads would present their recommendations, he said, adding the assembly would take a decision based on these suggestions.

A day earlier, former president Sibghatullah Mujaddedi was chosen as chairman of the forum on BSA, which has been under negotiations over the past two years.

The preparatory commission deputy head, Niamatullah Shahrani, proposed Mujaddedi as chairman. The house unanimously approved the proposal.

Addressing the grand assembly, President Hamid Karzai on Thursday acknowledged the trust deficit between his administration and the United States.

“I don’t trust them and they have little confidence in me. I leave the decision to you when the BSA should take effect — before or after the 2014 presidential and provincial council elections.”

Lasting peace and security were among the main conditions of his government for the agreement, he said. “What I have learnt from my 10-year rule, peace in Afghanistan is in the hands of Americans and Pakistanis.”

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