The United States pushed again for Afghanistan to sign the long-term security pact with the United States, saying Monday that failure to do so will put Afghans at risk, dpa reported.
"Deferring the signature of the agreement until after next year's election is not viable," said State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki.
"It would not provide Afghans with the certainty that they deserve regarding their future in the critical months leading to the elections," she said.
In April, Afghan voters will choose a new president to replace President Hamid Karzai, who under the constitution is not allowed to run for a third term.