The talks, expected to be tough, were kicked off Thursday as representatives from the two countries met in the Afghan capital, Kabul, to discuss the bilateral security agreement.
As the two sides sit down to negotiate, a key issue, said to be the thorniest in the talks that could take months to conclude, will be whether US soldiers in Afghanistan are given immunity from prosecution under Afghan law.
The Afghan team is led by its ambassador to the United States Eklil Hakimi while at the head of the US side is Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan James Warlick.
Hakimi told reporters that the two sides at the start were looking for gaining common ground.
"Our hope is to find those points that are in the interest of both countries, taking into account our sovereignty," he said.
"When we find that joint point, then Insha Allah (god willing) both sides will take action to conclude this document."
Warlick said that the talks cover the legal basis for US soldiers to work in Afghanistan after 2014.
"We were very encouraged by today's round that we could speak frankly with each other. And I am very confident that the rounds ahead will lead to the conclusion of a document which is in both of our countries' interest," Warlick said.
"This document is intended to provide legal authorities for US armed forces and its civilian component to continue a presence in Afghanistan with full approval of the government It will also represent our commitment to an abiding security relationship, an enduring security partnership that we believe serves the interests of both our countries."
A statement by Afghanistan's foreign ministry said the two sides have affirmed the key principles of the negotiations.
They, the statement said, "have full respect for Afghan sovereignty and Afghan national interests".
It said both sides clarified that "these negotiations are premised on the understanding that the United States does not seek permanent military bases in Afghanistan, or a presence that is perceived as a threat to Afghanistan's neighbors."
Afghan President Hamid Karzai has maintained that any remaining US military personnel should be made answerable to Afghan law and prosecuted in local courts.
The US stresses that any crimes committed should be tried in American courts.
Source: http://www.zimbabwenews.net/index.php/sid/210772887/scat/b8de8e630faf3631
Bram Stoker books Paula Broadwell Photos Veterans Day 2012 News Nate Silver stock market stock market
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.