John Kerry makes surprise visit to Afghanistan

John-KerryKabul, Oct 11 : US Secretary of State John Kerry made an unannounced visit to Afghanistan's capital Kabul Friday, Xinhua reported citing private television channel Tolo.

During his stay to Kabul, the US top diplomat, according to Tolo, would hold talks with Afghan President Hamid Karzai to discuss the situation in Afghanistan with particular reference to possible inking of a security pact between the two countries.

The controversial security pact, if inked, would enable US to a keep limited number of its forces in Afghanistan after 2014 when the NATO-led troops wouls leave the militancy-ridden country.

Afghan officials are yet to make any comment on Kerry's visit.

Washington has set October as the deadline for inking the pact.

However, President Karzai reiterated his government's condition for inking the security pact last week, saying Afghanistan is not in a hurry to ink the agreement; rather it wants the US to guarantee viable peace and security in the conflict-ridden country.

Nevertheless, the Afghan president stated that he would convene the traditional Loya Jirga or grand assembly of the tribal chieftains, notables and government functionaries, probably within a month to take a final decision with regard to the pact with Washington. (IANS)