Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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March 18, 2007

Taleban Says Italian Journalist, Afghan Translator Handed Over to 3rd
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=16B2A2F:A6F02AD83191E160E610A6033A9637309574F7DCC14957C0 Purported Taleban
spokesman says Daniele Mastrogiacomo and his Afghan translator were
transferred to a third party after Afghan authorities freed two senior
Taleban members





A giant picture Daniele Mastrogiacomo hangs from the balcony of Rome's
Campidoglio Capitol hill square, 8 Mar 2007A purported spokesman for
Taleban militants in Afghanistan says the group has handed over a
kidnapped Italian journalist to tribal elders, but Afghan and Italian
officials say they cannot confirm the report.

The spokesman said Sunday that Daniele Mastrogiacomo and his Afghan
translator were transferred to tribal elders in Helmand province after
two Taleban members were freed by Afghan authorities. A third Taleban
member the group wanted released is still in custody.

Meanwhile, Afghan police say Taleban fighters cut off the noses and
ears of at least three Afghan truck drivers who were transporting
supplies for U.S.-led troops.

Police say insurgents attacked the drivers in the Nuristan province on
Saturday and destroyed their trucks.

An Afghan mine-clearing expert was shot and wounded by suspected
Taleban militants north of Kabul in another incident on Saturday.

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A spokesman for the U.S.-led coalition in Afghanistan said the Afghan
man, who works for the United Nations, was shot in an ambush as his
vehicle drove near a convoy of Afghan and foreign troops. Some
information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.


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