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Taleban 'optimistic' over Koreans Taleban 'optimistic' over Koreans
(about 4 hours later)
Taleban militants in Afghanistan have said they are optimistic about the outcome of negotiations over 21 South Korean hostages they are holding.Taleban militants in Afghanistan have said they are optimistic about the outcome of negotiations over 21 South Korean hostages they are holding.
Speaking on the second day of direct talks with a government delegation from South Korea, the Taleban negotiators said a settlement could be near.Speaking on the second day of direct talks with a government delegation from South Korea, the Taleban negotiators said a settlement could be near.
The rebels are demanding the release of comrades held by the Afghan government.The rebels are demanding the release of comrades held by the Afghan government.
The South Korean Christian aid workers were seized last month. Two have already been killed by the rebels.The South Korean Christian aid workers were seized last month. Two have already been killed by the rebels.
The talks are being held in the central city of Ghazni. The second day of talks, which were held in the central city of Ghazni, ended with no resolution.
The Afghan government promised safe passage to two Taleban leaders so that they could attend. The Afghan government, stung by criticism over a previous prisoner exchange, has ruled out a swap to secure the release of the Koreans.
It promised safe passage to two Taleban leaders so that they could attend the talks.
One of them, Mullah Qari Bashir, told reporters on Saturday: "We are optimistic about the result of our talks."One of them, Mullah Qari Bashir, told reporters on Saturday: "We are optimistic about the result of our talks."
HOSTAGE TIMELINE 19 July: 23 South Korean Christian aid workers seized on bus in Ghazni province26 July: Body of hostage Pastor Bae Hyung-kyu is found31 July: Second hostage Shim Sung-min, 29, found shot dead 10 August: South Korean officials and Taleban start talks S Korea agonises on hostagesHOSTAGE TIMELINE 19 July: 23 South Korean Christian aid workers seized on bus in Ghazni province26 July: Body of hostage Pastor Bae Hyung-kyu is found31 July: Second hostage Shim Sung-min, 29, found shot dead 10 August: South Korean officials and Taleban start talks S Korea agonises on hostages
He reiterated that his group wanted some of its imprisoned members freed and said that if this happened, the hostages would be released.He reiterated that his group wanted some of its imprisoned members freed and said that if this happened, the hostages would be released.
Mullah Bashir said the Taleban felt the same way about its jailed men as South Korea did about its captive citizens.Mullah Bashir said the Taleban felt the same way about its jailed men as South Korea did about its captive citizens.
He added that the hostages' condition was good.He added that the hostages' condition was good.
The original group of 23 South Koreans - most of them women - were seized on 19 July as they travelled by bus on the main road from Kabul to Kandahar.The original group of 23 South Koreans - most of them women - were seized on 19 July as they travelled by bus on the main road from Kabul to Kandahar.
The two men who were killed included the leader of the group.The two men who were killed included the leader of the group.
The Afghan government, stung by criticism over a previous prisoner exchange, has ruled out a swap to secure the release of the Koreans. It is thought the South Korean aid workers are being held in a number of small groups in a village about 10km (six miles) from Ghazni.
It is thought the South Korean aid workers are being held in a number of small groups in a village about 10km (six miles) from Ghazni city centre.