KABUL - Nearly 3,000 people’s representatives would attend the proposed Loya Jirga on the Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA) with the United States, scheduled to begin from Nov. 16, an official said on Monday.

Deputy Minister of Border & Tribal Affairs told Pajhwok Afghan News the tribal assembly had originally been planned for three days, but the government was ready to put in place the required arrangements for a week in case of need.

Ahmadzai said the consultative Loya Jirga would be comprised of parliamentarians, university teachers, civil society representatives and tribal elders, who would advise the government whether or not to sign the security pact with the US.

The government has repeatedly explained the Loya Jirga participants would be consulted on the security pact. In no way will the assembly take any decision on the thorny issue, it says. Convening such a Jirga is a presidential prerogative and participants share their views on issues with the government.

Over the past two years, Afghanistan and the US have been debating the nature of an American military presence after 2014, when most foreign combat troops are to leave the country. Immunity for US troops has been a sticking point that has been left to the Jirga’s judgment.  (Pajhwok)