A tribal council in Afghanistan kicked off Wednesday despite repeated security threats, to debate a proposed partnership with the United States, and the attempted talks with Taliban insurgents, DPA reported.
The Loya Jirga, or Grand Assembly, brought together around 2,030 tribal elders and officials from across the country.
They were to debate the text of the proposed partnership agreement that would come into force after the withdrawal of NATO-led troops, planned to be finished in 2014.
The meeting would also cover "the development of Afghan military and security, economic development, the presence of foreign forces in Afghanistan, and talks with the Taliban, among other issues," said Safiullah Zeer, one of the organizers.
The Loya Jirga is not a legislative body, but its meetings are summoned ad hoc in response to matters of national importance to build a consensus between the country's diverse ethnic groups.
The leaders are likely to back the deal, which is endorsed by President Hamid Karzai.
During the four-day council, the elders were also to discuss the possibility of resuming attempts to talk to the Taliban.
Previous attempts were set back in September when a suicide bomber killed the chief of High Peace Council, who was heading the negotiation effort.
The Taliban on Monday threatened participants with "harsh penalties."
The proposed US partnership was an "unfortunate plan" drawn up by "foreign enemies and their internal (Afghan) mercenaries," the insurgents said.
The Taliban, as well as other critics in Afghanistan and the region, accuse the US of pushing for permanent military bases in the region. Washington has denied making any such request.
Kabul, where the Taliban have carried out a string of attacks in recent months, was on high alert, with extra troops deployed in the capital's streets, Interior Ministry spokesman Sediq Seddiqi said.
"We haven't had any incidents," he said. "Afghan national security forces are in complete control of the security and all measures are being taken."
On Sunday, the Taliban sent out an emailed copy of purported secret security plans for the Jirga that included maps, phone numbers of intelligence officers and security postings. Officials said the document was a fake.