Rice to meet Karzai amid deal tensions
US National security adviser Susan E. Rice is expected to meet with Afghan President Hamid Karzai in Afghanistan later on Monday amid tensions over an agreement to keep US troops in the Asian country even after a 2014 withdrawal deadline.
It is Rice�™s first solo overseas trip. The stated purpose of her trip was to visit American troops and diplomatic staff.
�œAfghanistan continues to be one of the United States�™ top national security priorities, and this trip is an opportunity for Ambassador Rice to take stock of our efforts,” said Caitlin Hayden, a spokeswoman for the White House National Security Council. �œShe will hear directly from US troops, diplomats and development professionals about our efforts as we move toward the responsible conclusion of our combat mission at the end of 2014.”
However, the surprise visit came after Karzai�™s unexpected speech at the grand assembly of Loya Jirga. The Afghan president set conditions to sign a security pact with the United States. In his remarks during the final hours of the Jirga in the capital Kabul on Sunday, Karzai said the Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA) would only go ahead under certain conditions.
“This is our main condition for this deal. America should bring us peace and we will eagerly accept this agreement with them and, accepting your decision, we will sign it,” he said.
After months of negotiations, Secretary of State John F. Kerry had announced last week that a bilateral security agreement was finalized to keep thousands of US troops in Afghanistan after 2014 but Karzai took American officials for a surprise.
“If the US goes into Afghan homes one more time, there will be no agreement. I repeat, if they go into our homes one more time, there will be no agreement,” said the Afghan president, referring to night raids by US troops on Afghan homes.
Karzai also said the Obama administration must assure him that it will not interfere with its national elections and will cooperate with Afghans to boost the country�™s security. He said he might even put off the signing until after his successor is elected in the April 5 election.
Kerry had a �œtense” phone conversation with Karzai on Friday, according to Karzai spokesman Aimal Faizi who insisted that Karzai will not abide by US �œdeadlines.”
AN/ARA
Source: Press TV
Source: http://rinf.com/alt-news/breaking-news/rice-to-meet-karzai-amid-deal-tensions/
