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." (Agencies) Latest News from World News Desk
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.