Afghan Lower House unanimously approve security pacts with US, NATO

KABUL (NNI): Afghan Wolesi Jirga or Lower House of Parliament unanimously approved with majority the Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA) with the United States and Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) with NATO during a special session on Sunday.

The lawmakers in a rare show of unity, also voted on NATO Status of Force Agreement (SOFA) and unanimously approved the agreement.

The session was attended by 175 lawmakers, out of which only 5 lawmakers rejected the agreement with US and NATO, while the remaining lawmakers unanimously approved the agreements.

The bilateral security agreement between Afghanistan and United States was formally signed by US ambassador to Afghanistan James B. Cunningham and national security adviser Mohammad Hanif Atmar on 30th September.

The Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) for the NATO forces was also inked during the signing ceremony on the same day.

The agreements will pave the way for the presence of US and NATO troops to Afghanistan beyond 2014 to implement the new non-combat mission to train, advise and support Afghan national security forces