Afghans say may use force if hostage talks fail [View All]

[Eugene]

Source: Reuters

Afghans say may use force if hostage talks fail
Sat Jul 28, 2007 4:52AM EDT

By Samar Zwak

GHAZNI, Afghanistan (Reuters) - Afghan mediators on
Saturday were attempting to hold more talks with Taliban
rebels to seek the release of their remaining 22 Korean
hostages but may use force if the talks fail, a senior
official said.

"We believe in the talks and if dialogue fails then we will
resort to other means," Munir Mangal, a deputy interior
minister told Reuters. When asked if that meant use of
force, he replied: "Certainly".

Mangal also leads a government team tasked to secure
the release of the South Korean Christian volunteers
kidnapped by Taliban insurgents more than a week ago.

He said mediators included Islamic clergy who were trying
to persuade the Taliban to free the hostages without
conditions.

He also ruled out bowing to the Taliban demand to free
insurgent captives held by Kabul.

-snip-

Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSISL4204720070728