DHAKA: The Taliban on Sunday condemned the endorsement by an Afghan assembly of a security agreement with the United States, calling it a ‘pact of slavery’.

The militants said in a statement that the deal, which sets conditions for US troops to stay in Afghanistan after Nato pulls out in 2014, would benefit neither side, reports The Straits Times.

Earlier, Afghanistan’s president Hamid Karzai said he won’t immediately sign a security deal with the United States, ignoring a recommendation by an assembly of Afghan elders and leaders that he do so by the end of the year.

Hamid Karzai spoke after the Loya Jirga issued its statement on Sunday. He argued Afghanistan needed more time to ensure that the United States was committed to peace in the country.

BDST: 2057 HRS, NOV 24, 2013