KARZAI SAYS WILL NOT BE INTIMIDATED TO SIGN SECURITY DEAL WITH US

Kabul, 10 Shafar 1435/13 December 2013 (MINA) – Afghan president Hamid Karzai has once again reiterated that the bilateral security agreement with Washington will only be signed once the government of Afghanistan is assured that the pact will bring peace and stability in the country.

President Karzai is currently in India on a three-day official visit to meet with th Indian officials and seek New Delhi’s support to Afghanistan and Afghan security forces.

Karzai said he would not be “intimidated” into signing the agreement which would allow 12,000 US troops to stay in Afghanistan after 2014 and sets out their terms of engagement.

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While speaking in interview with India’s NDTV, president Karzai said, “Aggressive rhetoric won´t work… We are not a nation that is known for giving into intimidation,” Khamaa Press reported as quoted by Mi’raj News Agency (MINA) Firday (13/12).

President Karzai further added, If they have not recognised this they should, it will be good for them to recognise.”

“We will sign it when we feel sure that our signature will bring peace and security.” Karzai added.

President Hamid Karzai set new conditions for the signing of the bilateral security agreement after the consultative Loya Jirga approved the draft of the agreement by majority last month.

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Karzai insists that United States should immediately end operations on Afghan homes and practical steps should be taken to start Afghan peace process with the Taliban group, in a bid to end the decade old war in the country. (T/P012/E1)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)