Afghanistan: Karzai says no pact without Taliban talks
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 25 January 2014 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Afghanistan: Karzai says no pact without Taliban talks, 25 January 2014, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5331448524.html [accessed 1 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
January 25, 2014
Afghan President Hamid Karzai
Afghan President Hamid Karzai says he will not sign a security pact with the United States unless Washington launches a genuine peace process with Taliban insurgents.
Karzai has repeatedly refused to sign the Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA) which would allow some U.S. troops to remain in Afghanistan beyond the planned withdrawal of NATO forces by the end of this year to train and assist Afghan soldiers.
Karzai told reporters on January 25 he will not sign the BSA "under pressure."
He said, "If America wants to stay as an ally with us, it should work with us as an ally not as an opponent."
The United States is pushing for the BSA to be signed so that NATO can schedule its withdrawal.
Karzai has suggested a final decision could be made by his successor after presidential elections due in April.
Based on reporting by AP and AFP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
