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Karzai wants change in U.S. relationship

Secretary of Defense, Chuck Hagel, meets with Afghan president Hamid Karzai, March 10, 2013. UPI/Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo/DOD
1 of 2 | Secretary of Defense, Chuck Hagel, meets with Afghan president Hamid Karzai, March 10, 2013. UPI/Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo/DOD | License Photo

KABUL, Afghanistan, March 15 (UPI) -- Relations between Kabul and Washington have eroded because the United States refuses to respect Afghanistan's sovereignty, President Hamid Karzai said Friday.

Stressing Afghanistan wants "good relations and friendship" with the United States, the Afghan leader told a gathering at the presidential palace the friendship "should be between two sovereign nations," Khaama Press reported.

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He cited as additional trouble points the resistance of Washington to transferring Bagram prison to Afghanistan, civilian casualties and the lack of transparency in the war against terrorism.

Karzai angered U.S. officials this week with allegations recent Taliban attacks were "in support" of America's continued presence in the country, creating a sense of insecurity.

White House spokesman Josh Earnest told reporters Friday the United States has been working with Afghanistan for several months to transfer authority of Bagram and other detention facilities to Afghan control.

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