Kabul: Afghan President Hamid Karzai says he favours a security agreement with America allowing some of its troops to remain after the end of 2014 but wants unspecified "guarantees."
Karzai provided no details when he spoke on Thursday at a gathering on rural development. But he has said in the past that the United States must commit to boost Afghan security, strengthen its armed forces and provide long-term economic development assistance.
Karzai says the US should pay for the agreement, a reference to a demand for rent to lease up to nine bases in Afghanistan. He didn`t say how much money Afghanistan wants, but it`s thought to be over USD 6 billion.
The US has said it`s not seeking permanent bases in Afghanistan. The agreement is expected by year`s end.
PTI
