Hagel Given Assurances On Afghan Security Pact
U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel says the Afghan defense minister has reassured him that a long-delayed security agreement with the United States will be signed in a timely manner.
Hagel spoke after talks with Bismillah Khan Mohammadi during an unannounced visit to Kabul on December 7.
Hagel also said he doesn't think that more American pressure would be helpful in trying to persuade President Hamid Karzai to sign the Bilateral Security Agreement allowing U.S. forces to stay in the country beyond 2014.
Earlier on December 7, in Bahrain, Hagel offered assurances to the United State's Persian Gulf allies that diplomacy over Iran's nuclear program is backed by U.S. military power.
Hagel said Western diplomacy with Tehran should not be "misinterpreted" and that success in negotiations will "hinge on America's military power."
U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel says the Afghan defense minister has reassured him that a long-delayed security agreement with the United States will be signed in a timely manner.
Hagel spoke after talks with Bismillah Khan Mohammadi during an unannounced visit to Kabul on December 7.
Hagel also said he doesn't think that more American pressure would be helpful in trying to persuade President Hamid Karzai to sign the Bilateral Security Agreement allowing U.S. forces to stay in the country beyond 2014.
Earlier on December 7, in Bahrain, Hagel offered assurances to the United State's Persian Gulf allies that diplomacy over Iran's nuclear program is backed by U.S. military power.
Hagel said Western diplomacy with Tehran should not be "misinterpreted" and that success in negotiations will "hinge on America's military power."