US National Security Adviser Rice meeting Afghanistan's Karzai after he rebuffs security deal

KABUL, Afghanistan – U.S. officials say National Security Adviser Susan Rice will meet Afghan President Hamid Karzai in Kabul just one day after he rebuffed American requests to sign a security pact by the end of the year

A spokesman for the U.S. Embassy and the White House said Monday's meeting was at Karzai's request. Rice was on a trip to visit U.S. troops for the Thanksgiving holidays.

Karzai on Sunday rejected a recommendation by an Afghan assembly of dignitaries that he quickly sign.

The U.S. administration insists the deal be finalized by the end of next month, warning that planning for a post-2014 military presence may be jeopardized if it is not approved.

Karzai's decision to defer its signature after April's elections cast doubt on the presence of American forces after 2014.