Karzai Says U.S. Wants Nine Bases After 2014

Afghan President Hamid Karzai speaks at Kabul University.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai says the United States wants to keep nine military bases in Afghanistan after the planned withdrawal of most foreign troops from the country by the end of 2014.

Addressing Kabul University students in a televised speech, Karzai set a number of conditions for the approval of the military bases by his government.

He said he wanted the United States to intensify efforts in the peace process with the Taliban, strengthen Afghan security forces, help build the economy, and provide assistance in governance.

Afghanistan and the United States are currently negotiating a deal to allow a limited U.S. troop presence in Afghanistan after the planned withdrawal next year.

Washington has not revealed extensive details about its plans in Afghanistan after 2014.

Based on reporting by AP, AFP, and dpa