Canada criticizes South Korea for hostage talks

OTTAWA, Aug 30 (Reuters) Canada's foreign minister, in a rare public blast at a close ally, has criticized South Korea for negotiating with Taliban militants to free a group of hostages.

''The Canadian position on dealings with terrorists is well-known to all those with even a passing familiarity with the subject. We do not negotiate with terrorists, for any reason,'' Foreign Minister Maxime Bernier said in a statement.

''Such negotiations, even if unsuccessful, only lead to further acts of terrorism.'' The Taliban began releasing a group of 19 church volunteers after striking a deal with South Korea under which Seoul reaffirmed its commitment to withdraw a small contingent of noncombat troops from Afghanistan within the year.

Canada has a 2,500-strong military mission in the southern Afghan city of Kandahar.

The insurgents seized 23 Koreans and initially demanded the release of Taliban members held prisoner by Kabul. They killed two hostages, and then released another two in what it said was a goodwill gesture.

Bernier's statement also condemned the hostage taking and the murder of the South Koreans.

REUTERS MS PM2130