Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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August 12, 2007

Confusion Surrounds Status of S. Korean Hostages in Afghanistan
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=18934EA:A6F02AD83191E160FEF221AF97BE53BD9574F7DCC14957C0 Insurgent spokesmen
first said two of the 21 Koreans kidnapped more than three weeks ago
had been released, but then reversed that to say all 21 are still
being held





Taleban representatives Mullah Bashir (L) and Mullah Nasrullah (2L)
walk with officials as they leave the Afghan Red Crescent Society, 11
Aug. 2007Confusion surrounds the status of the South Korean hostages
being held by Taleban rebels in Afghanistan.  Insurgent spokesmen
first said two of the 21 Koreans kidnapped more than three weeks ago
had been released, but then reversed that to say all 21 are still
being held. VOA correspondent Benjamin Sand reports from Kabul.

On Saturday, a reputed Taleban spokesman raised hopes by saying the
release of all 21 was imminent.  Then came word that two of the women
hostages, both seriously ill, had been released.

But Afghan officials say none of the hostages has been handed over to
the government.

Korean media are quoting a Taleban spokesman Sunday as saying the
insurgent force changed its mind and decided not to free any of the
21.

South Korean officials, who are engaged in direct talks with the
militants, are refusing any comment.

The face-to-face talks are being facilitated by the International
Committee of the Red Cross. ICRC spokesman Jean Pascal Moret says Red
Cross staff are standing by in case any of the hostages are released
Sunday.

"Right now it is very contradictory. We are also waiting if they need
us for any assistance, but we have for the time being…no information,"
Moret said.

The insurgents kidnapped 23 South Koreans July 19 in the Afghan
province of Ghazni. Two of the 23 were killed, and the militants say
they will kill more unless the Afghan government frees a number of
Taleban prisoners.




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