An influential group of Afghan elders has called for a security pact with the US to be signed by the end of this year.
The pact, which would allow US troops to remain in the country past 2014, is being delayed by Afghan President Hamid Karzai, who said he wants the US to bring peace to the country first.
The US has said the delaying of the pact is neither “practical nor possible”.
"Given the current situation in, and Afghanistan's need... the contents of this agreement as a whole is endorsed by the members of this Loya Jirga," a declaration said, quoted by AFP news agency.
"The Loya Jirga requests the president to sign the agreement before the end of 2013."
State department spokesperson Jen Psaki said:
"We believe that signing sooner rather than later is essential to give Afghans certainty about their future before the upcoming elections, and enable the United States and other partners to plan for US presence after 2014.
"It is neither practical nor possible for us to further delay because of the uncertainty it would create."