KABUL - President Hamid Karzai has said his stance on the Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA) is based on experience the Afghans went through over the past 12 years, calling on Washington to demonstrate sincerity in meeting Afghanistan's legitimate demands. The president expressed these views during a telephonic conversation with German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, , the Presidential Palace said in a statement. Both leaders discussed bilateral relations and the security pact between Afghanistan and the US, it added.

Karzai again congratulated Merkel on her historic victory in parliamentary elections and termed Germany as a close friend of Afghanistan. Karzai said Kabul wanted continued and sustained relations with Berlin in various spheres. On the BSA, Karzai said: "Afghanistan's stance originates from its experience of past 12 years and Washington should demonstrate sincere intentions about Afghanistan legitimate demands." He said Kabul was willing to ink the deal with Washington, but raids on Afghan's homes should be stopped and peace efforts practically started before the agreement was inked. Merkel discussed with Karzai the status of international forces in his country, including the length of time that German troops would stay in Afghanistan, a German magazine (Der Spiegel) said.


The telephone conversation held late Wednesday, covered a "possible extension" in the length of time that German forces, currently numbering about 3,100, would remain, the report said, citing government sources in Berlin.
The extension is a reference to a smaller number of German troops that could stay in Afghanistan after foreign combat troops end their mission in late 2014.
Germany is planning to contribute up to 800 troops to an international effort to advise and train Afghan government forces after the withdrawal of combat troops.(Pajhwok)