Afghan President Hamid Karzai says he favors 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 today 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.
