Taliban spokesman says 2 sick female South Korean hostages to be freed

Source: CCTV.com | 08-13-2007 14:02

There are conflicting reports on the fate of South Korean hostages being held in Afghanistan.

The Taliban said on Sunday that two sick female South Korean hostages will be released, but has given no specific dates. The governor of the Afghan province where the hostages were abducted says they will be released today.

Yet, South Korean media say the Taliban released the two on Saturday. Governments in Seoul and Kabul have been unable to confirm anything yet.

Qari Yousef Ahmadi, Taliban spokesman, said, "The Taliban leadership has decided to release the two sick female South Korean hostages. We hope the decision will be admired by South Koreans. We have not fixed the time for the release, but they will be released and the Taliban's decision will not change. Taliban members are optimistic the negotiations with the South Koreans are moving in a positive direction. While the negotiations are ongoing, the Taliban assures the safety of the South Korean hostages."

Editor:Du Xiaodan