Karzai accuses US of halting military supplies over pact row

Afghan President Hamid Karzai today accused the United States of halting essential supplies to some Afghan army and police units in order to pressure the country to quickly sign a key security pact.
The interruption of fuel and equipment had occurred "two or three times", according to a statement issued by the presidential office following a meeting of the national security council, attended by Karzai.
As a result of the interruptions, the affected units had "ceased their operations", according to the statement, adding Washington had violated its commitments in these areas.
"The council considered the cutting of fuel and supportive services to army and police as a means of pressure by the US government so that Afghanistan ignores its conditions in the BSA (Bilateral Security Agreement) and signs it with the US," the statement said.

The NATO-led International Security Assistance Force later issued a statement denying Karzai's allegations.
"There has been no stoppage in the delivery of requested fuel and we continue to process all orders as soon as they are received from the ANSF (Afghan National Security Forces).

"We remain committed to supporting our ANSF partners and will continue to do so."
The pact is aimed at defining the terms of the US military presence on Afghan soil after the withdrawal of 75,000 NATO troops at the end of 2014.
While the US is seeking to wrap up the accord before the end of the year, Karzai has indicated his country would sign after next year's presidential elections in April.

The prospect of delaying the pact has exasperated the US, which has threatened to withdraw all its troops, raising fears the country may be unable to control violence by Taliban insurgents.