Karzai stands his ground, will defer signing of security deal to successor

Kabul, Afghanistan: Afghanistan's president says he has told the US national security adviser that he won't back down from his refusal to sign a security agreement with the United States but will instead defer it to his successor.[caption id="attachment_1249873" align="alignleft" width="380"] Afghan delegates discuss on the second day of the Loya Jirga in Kabul. President Hamid Karzai said that he prefers his successor sign the document after elections next April. AP[/caption]A statement issued by the office of Hamid Karzai late Monday said that in a meeting with Susan Rice, he also asked for further assurances from the United States that its forces will not raid Afghan homes and that they express a sincere commitment to help start stalled peace talks with the Taliban.He also reiterated his demand that the United States commit to holding free and transparent elections on April 5.AP