Kerry, in Afghanistan, suggests agreement may be near on U.S. presence beyond 2014 The official spoke on the condition of requested anonymity because the talks are ongoing. A security agreement with the Afghan government had been at the point of breakdown, with wide differences on sovereignty and control issues as an Oct. 31 deadline to conclude a deal approached. "We're on the cusp of something new," Kerry told employees at the fortress-like U.S. Embassy here, following a day and a half of talks with Karzai that were extended into Saturday evening. The goal, Kerry said, "is to guarantee that we can define that something new in the most confident terms possible, so that we know that your work here is going to be possible in an environment that can get safer." Kerry said he also wants the agreement to ensure that "Afghans have confidence there will be a partnership with the United States and the rest of the international community that have been here, where we understand the rules of the road." Afghan presidential spokesman Aimal Faizi said a third round of talks would take place at Karzai's palace Saturday night. "There's still work to do on the document," he told reporters in English. It will be concluded, hopefully this evening, although it's not certain. The chief sticking points involve Afghan concerns that the proposed deal does not offer enough guarantee of American protection against potential foreign invaders and asks for too many concessions of national sovereignty. Afghanistan fears meddling or outright military attack by next-door Pakistan, also a U.S. counterterrorism partner and one of the last places the United States would want to be asked to intervene militarily. "If this thing can come together, this will put the Taliban on their heels, this will send a message to the community of nations that Afghans" future is being defined in a way that is achievable and all of your work will have a greater meaning," Kerry said before returning to the talks. U.S. officials had played down expectations for a breakthrough during Kerry's visit, but it was clear that he hoped that a personal touch with Karzai, with whom he has a long relationship, could salvage a deal. The United States refuses to outsource what it considers vital antiterrorism operations or turn over all intelligence, and it insists that the remaining U.S forces will not be subject to Afghan law. At issue is whether a U.S. force of between 5,000 and 10,000 will remain in Afghanistan after the NATO-led combat operation ends in 2014. Karzai long ago agreed to the schedule for the departure of international forces, which have been both a political irritant in Afghanistan and a key guarantor of Karzai's political survival.