Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said the United States is "obviously very pleased and encouraged" that a memorandum of understanding was signed by General John Allen, commander of American forces and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, and Afghan Defense Minster Abdul Rahim Wardak, under which the Bagram detention center will be handed over to Afghan control within six months.
"We also do think that this step moves us closer to being able to conclude the U.S.-Afghan strategic partnership document, which will guide our relationship going forward, including in the post- 2014 period, when Afghans are firmly in the lead of their own security," Nuland told reporters at a regular news briefing.
The Afghan government has categorically stated that Kabul would not sign a strategic partnership document unless U.S. forces halt night raid operations and hand over the control of the Bagram detention center to the Afghan side. Afghan President Hamid Karzai had set March 9 as the deadline for the transfer.
Nuland said the issue of night raids by U.S.-led special forces on Taliban leaders in their homes will also be addressed in separate negotiations.
"There will be a separate memorandum of understanding on special operations. We`re having that negotiation as well," she said.
At their summit in November 2010 in Lisbon, NATO leaders decided to hand over security responsibility to Afghan forces by the end of 2014 and end the combat mission of NATO forces.
The White House said NATO leaders will chart the way forward in Afghanistan when they meet again in Chicago on May 20-21.
(Uu.H-AK)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2012
