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March 22, 2012

Clinton: Afghanistan, U.S. Nearing Deal on Night Raids 
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The United States says it is on track to complete a strategic
partnership agreement with the Afghan government ahead of a key NATO
summit in May. Talks between the two sides have been strained following
a number of incidents including the massacre of 16 Afghan civilians by a
U.S. soldier earlier this month. Following a meeting with Afghanistan's
Foreign Minister, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said a deal on
governing the U.S. military's night raids on Afghan homes is close at
hand.

Hillary Clinton: "The recent memorandum of understanding on detention
operations was signed. As you heard the minister, we are looking forward
to finalizing the so-called night raids agreement. These are complicated
issues. But, we are resolving them. We are clearing the way toward a
strategic partnership agreement. We would very much like to be in a
position to sign such an agreement either before or at the Chicago
summit, and I think we are on track to do so."



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