Karzai, US senators talk security transition

President Hamid Karzai on Wednesday discussed with a bipartisan group of US senators ongoing talks on the Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA) and the issue of security transition in Afghanistan.

Prominent among those who attended the 30-minute meeting on the Capitol Hill were Senator Mitch McConnell, the Senate minority leader, Senators Bob Casey, Deb Fischer and Tim Kaine.

“This was an opportunity for a bipartisan group of Senators to hear first-hand about regional threats and conditions within Afghanistan. The meeting focused on topics related to the Bilateral Security Agreement,” said Don Stewart, spokesperson for McConnell.

Appearing before the media for a photo opportunity, Karzai and the senators did not take questions. But the Afghan president did note that McConnell would soon be travelling to Afghanistan.

“Some of the other senators are headed with Senator McConnell tomorrow to Afghanistan. I’m sorry, I’m not there to receive and host them,” Karzai told reporters during the photo session.

“I hope your discussions with the administration and members of Congress are fruitful,” McConnell told Karzai.