SKorean ambassador leaves for Ghazni ahead of deadline on hostages

Kabul, July 24 (UNI) The South Korean ambassador to Afghanistan has reportedly rushed to Ghazni province ahead of the deadline on the 23 Korean hostages that is due to end at 1900 hrs local time today.

The Koreans, including women, were kidnapped from the Ghazni province on the Kabul Kandahar highway on Thursday. The deadline for their release has been extended twice by their kidnappers, the Taliban who have demanded the release of some of their men taken prisoners and the withdrawal of around 200 Korean troops stationed in Afghanistan.

Though official confirmation was not forthcoming, sources said the South Korean delegation had left for Ghazni after the Taliban had broken off negotiations with a group of local elders saying they wanted direct talks with the Koreans.

The country's Interior Ministry stepped up security measures asking all foreigners to register themselves with the nearest police station and to inform the police before venturing into any province where they might be at risk.

The threat to the Korean hostages increased after the recovery of the dead body of one of the two Germans held hostage earlier.

The Taliban claimed to have killed both Germans and the five Afghans held hostage at the same time but there are contradictory reports.

Senior officials remained busy with the funeral of the Father of the Nation, former King Zahir Shah and could not be contacted for their comments.

A high ranking Indian delegation including Union Minister for Water Resources Saifuddin Soz arrived here today to represent India at the funeral.

The President, Prime Minister and External Affairs Minister have conveyed their deep condolences to the Government and people of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan recalling His Majesty Zahir Shah's long standing commitment to the friendly relations between India and Afghanistan.

UNI