Editor in Chief: Moh. Reza Huwaida Friday, March 29th, 2024

Afghan-US Strategic Partnership Not Finalised: Spanta

Afghan-US Strategic Partnership Not Finalised: Spanta

KABUL - National Security Advisor to Afghan President Hamid Karzai, while speaking at the House of Representatives on Monday, said that the talks between Afghanistan and the United States of America over the long term strategic agreement have not been finalised yet.

Discussions over ending night raids by foreign troops and handing over responsibilities of prisons to Afghan authorities are underway, Dr Rangin Dadfar Spanta, Karzai's National Security Advisor said.

Mr Spanta said that the Jirga will talk about the Afghan-US strategic partnership and peace process in the country, and that it only holds a consultative role. The final decision will be made by the House of Representatives.

"We have reached an agreement on the issues related to economy and governance, but discussions on judicial authorities and governance are still continuing," Spanta said.

The National Security Advisor called the agreement important and emphasised that a statement will not require approval from the House of Representatives.

Some MPs believe that holding a traditional Loya Jirga to discuss such an important issue is not constitutional.

Haji Mohammad Mohaqeq, representing Kabul province in the Afghan Parliament said, "Why does the government not consult the parliament? It seeks advice from MPs linked to it as if it is a personal issue."
But Dr Spanta said that the President has sought advice from the parliament.

"The President has consulted his advisors and had also sought advice from Mr Mohaqeq during meetings I had attended. I wish Mr Mohaqeq had spoken frankly during those meetings," Spanta said.

The Traditional Loya Jirga is expected to be held on November 16th this year and 2,000 representatives from all over Afghanistan will attend it.

Meanwhile, the Taliban has claimed to have gained access to some very important and secret documents about the Jirga security plan. But the claim has been denied by the government officials.

At the same time Isaf officials have said that Taliban are trying to somehow disturb the Jirga and have started a propaganda campaign.

William Trillion, Isaf's relations officer said: "We are aware that there is a document that exists, we continue to examine that document but at this point it's nothing more than a piece of fabricated propaganda to disrupt the peaceful Jirga process."

Security concerns come as on Monday a suicide bomber who wanted to enter the Jirga compound was identified by security forces and shot dead and two other suspects were detained, according to Afghan officials. (Tolo News)