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Rockets Fired Into Kabul As Loya Jirga Enters Second Day

November 17, 2011

Afghan officials say two rockets were fired early today into Kabul where a major gathering is taking place to discuss a proposed long-term strategic partnership with the United States.

The Interior Ministry said one man was injured. Neither of the rockets landed close to the venue of the assembly, or Loya Jirga.

The Taliban had threatened to disrupt the assembly of more than 2,000 political and community leaders.

Addressing the Loya Jirga on the first day of the gathering on November 16, President Hamid Karzai outlined the conditions for a continued U.S. military presence in Afghanistan after U.S. and other foreign combat troops leave the country at the end of 2014.

He called on the United States to take steps including stopping controversial night raids and respecting Afghan sovereignty in order for Afghanistan to agree to host U.S. troops in the long-run.

The Loya Jirga is also to discuss the possible resumption of attempts to reconcile with the Taliban.

compiled from agency reports

Source: http://www.rferl.org/content/afghanistan_loya_jirga_rockets_fired/24393697.html

Copyright (c) 2011. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.