Taleban sets fresh deadline for killing of S.Korean hostages

Taleban rebels in Afghanistans central Ghazni Province have extended their deadline for killing 23 South Korean hostages.

Kabul, July 23 : Taleban rebels in Afghanistan's central Ghazni Province have extended their deadline for killing 23 South Korean hostages.

The rebels have given officials until 7 p.m. local time (2.30 p.m. GMT) on Monday to trade Taleban prisoners for hostages, the BBC reported, even as intense negotiations to faciliate the release of the hostages continued between the two sides. South Korean envoys and Afghan elders have been mediating between the militants and government negotiators.

The South Korean group were abducted from a bus that was travelling through the city of Kandahar on Thursday. The incident has been described as the largest scale of abductions by the Taleban since its ouster from power in October 2001.

They are reportedly Christians on an evangelical and aid mission. At least 15 are said to be women. he hostages are reported to be in good health, but the rebels have said they will kill them if there is any attempt to free them by force or if the government fails to release Taleban prisoners soon.

The Taleban also want South Korea's 200 troops, part of a NATO force, to leave Afghanistan, earlier than scheduled.

Meanwhile, family members of the hostages anxiously continue to await updates on the incident.

A foreign news agency quoted the brother of Lee jeong Ran, one of the captives, as saying that there is a sense of relief and hope among the families on the news about the extention of the deadline.

Another family member said that the intention of kidnappers appeared to be good and honest, so there was hope.

Others said that they were still very worried, and were keen on a quick agreement.

South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun has called for the release of the hostages, saying they were medical volunteers.

On Sunday, police in Wardak province said they had found the body of one of two German hostages kidnapped last Wednesday.

The Germans, whose identity has not been revealed, were seized with a number of Afghans in Wardak, where they had been working on a dam project.

A Taleban spokesman had said both men were killed on Saturday because Germany refused demands to withdraw its 3,000-strong force from the country.

But Berlin said it believed one hostage was still alive and the other died of a heart attack or stress. Chancellor Angela Merkel on Sunday evening said Germany would not give in to Taleban "blackmail" to withdraw its troops.

ANI