The U.S. Defence Secretary , Chuck Cheigkel said that Afghanistan can not postpone the decision on signing a security agreement with the U.S. that would allow some troops to remain in the country beyond 2014 .
Speaking to reporters en route to Poland , Mr. Cheigkel noted that the delay by the President of Afghanistan , Hamid Karzai , to sign the bilateral agreement will create problems because the U.S. needs to plan for the future . But he added that he respects the right of Mr Karzai to decide on the issue as he considers right and stressed that the U.S. has "limited" ability to influence the decisions of Afghans.
Under Proclamation to Congress this week President Obama said the U.S. is ready to leave a small force in Afghanistan for training and assisting the armed forces of the country .
Speaking to reporters en route to Poland , Mr. Cheigkel noted that the delay by the President of Afghanistan , Hamid Karzai , to sign the bilateral agreement will create problems because the U.S. needs to plan for the future . But he added that he respects the right of Mr Karzai to decide on the issue as he considers right and stressed that the U.S. has "limited" ability to influence the decisions of Afghans.
Under Proclamation to Congress this week President Obama said the U.S. is ready to leave a small force in Afghanistan for training and assisting the armed forces of the country .
