Lawmakers backs Karzai stance on security deal

KABUL): Some lawmakers on Thursday endorsed President Hamid Karzai’s stance on the Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA) and said the United States should meet his conditions.

Members of the Wolesi Jirga’s Security and International Relation Commissions voiced their support for Karzai’s position during a meeting with the president at his office in Kabul.

The participants discussed the security situation in the country and the security pact, according to a statement from the Presidential Palace, which said Karzai once again underlined his terms for signing the deal.

Lasting peace and an end to foreign forces’ raids on Afghan homes is must before the agreement was signed.

Members of the parliamentary panels lent their weight to Karzai’s viewpoint on the agreement between Afghanistan and United States, the statement said. Meeting the conditions was important for the protection of the national interest, they agreed.

On Wednesday, the White House said the US could no longer wait for the BSA signing. It warned any delay in signing the agreement would jeopardise the presence of US troops in Afghanistan beyond 2014.

On Nov 24, a consultative Loya Jirga approved the BSA with some recommendations. But Karzai has set the conditions for the United States, hinting the accord might be inked by his successor.

mds/mud

Visits: 0