US Secretary of State John Kerry has called the Afghan President Hamid Karzai to hammer out the sharp differences on the bilateral security agreement (BSA) ahead of the crucial Loya Jirga meeting in Kabul.
During their conversation both Kerry and Karzai reiterated the importance of moving toward agreement on the BSA.
‘President Karzai invited the Secretary to attend the Loya Jirga and Secretary Kerry thanked him for the invitation, but conveyed that it would not be possible for him to attend this week,’ a Senior US State Department Official said on Tuesday.
According to the official who spoke on condition on anonymity, Karzai asked for reassurances that he could communicate to the Loya Jirga regarding the nature of the security relationship going forward and addressing past issues such as civilian casualties.
‘Kerry indicated that we want to continue working together to find a path forward, and that we will consider his request for reassurances including the option of a letter from the Administration stating our position,’ the official said, adding that the Secretary of State also conveyed that it was important to move forward given the need for certainty and for the United States and its partners to plan ahead.
Meanwhile the White House said there are ongoing negotiations, but the general agreement has been in place since last month when Kerry travelled to Kabul to hold a meeting with Karzai.
During their conversation both Kerry and Karzai reiterated the importance of moving toward agreement on the BSA.
‘President Karzai invited the Secretary to attend the Loya Jirga and Secretary Kerry thanked him for the invitation, but conveyed that it would not be possible for him to attend this week,’ a Senior US State Department Official said on Tuesday.
According to the official who spoke on condition on anonymity, Karzai asked for reassurances that he could communicate to the Loya Jirga regarding the nature of the security relationship going forward and addressing past issues such as civilian casualties.
‘Kerry indicated that we want to continue working together to find a path forward, and that we will consider his request for reassurances including the option of a letter from the Administration stating our position,’ the official said, adding that the Secretary of State also conveyed that it was important to move forward given the need for certainty and for the United States and its partners to plan ahead.
Meanwhile the White House said there are ongoing negotiations, but the general agreement has been in place since last month when Kerry travelled to Kabul to hold a meeting with Karzai.