Afghan lawmakers call for approval of US security pact

Lawmakers in Afghanistan Saturday reiterated their support for the new security agreement with the United States. Members of the Loya Jirga, which endorsed the agreement last year, called on President Hamid Karzai to sign off on the plan rather than table it while seeking new concessions from the United States. Jirga member Nilofar Ibrahami told reporters that the Afghan parliament should step in and overrule Karzai. He said the consensus was that the pact was needed to preserve security in Afghanistan. The Khaama Press said other Jirga members disagreed with Karzai's intention to hold off on signing the pact until after the national elections. The lawmakers were concerned the delay could result in the agreement becoming a political football with the United States forced to back individual candidates.