The two leaders spoke by phone Friday and reaffirmed they were committed to the agreed timetable "in which Afghan forces would complete the process of transition and have full responsibility for security across the country by the end of 2014," the White House said in a statement.
Karzai, in Thursday talks with US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, had insisted international forces should leave Afghan villages and be "relocated in their bases" and that Afghanistan is ready to take responsibility for security.
Karzai gave no timeline other than saying NATO should hand over to Afghan forces in 2013.
In Friday`s phone call, Obama agreed to resolve Karzai`s concerns over night raids as the two leaders said they would discuss complaints about NATO troops in villages.
White House spokesman Jay Carney said they discussed "Karzai`s recent reiteration of his long standing concerns regarding night raids and house searches and recommitted to conclude ongoing negotiations on a memorandum of understanding to resolve those concerns."
"They also agreed to further discuss concerns voiced by President Karzai about the presence of foreign troops in villages," Carney said, briefing reporters aboard Air Force One as Obama flew to Chicago.
Obama called Karzai just after midnight ostensibly to "congratulate" the Afghan leader on the birth of his daughter. (*)
Editor: Kunto Wibisono
Copyright © ANTARA 2012
