May 04, 2007

Deadline Draws Near for French Hostage

The deadline set by the Taliban for the release of French hostage Eric Damfreville and three Afghan colleagues is set to expire on Saturday, and no progress is being reported.

Via AFP:

"The deadline is drawing closer every moment," Taliban spokesman Yousuf Ahmadi told AFP. "The French government and the Afghan government not only has not accepted our demands, but they even have not tried to contact us. The situation is unclear and blurry."

The Taliban has demanded the release of high-ranking prisoners held by the Afghan government and the withdrawal of France's 1000 troops from Afghanistan.

The hostages, employees of the NGO Terre d'Enfance, which set up schools and women's centers in rural provinces, were kidnapped April 3. Female hostage Celine Cordelier was released last week as a "goodwill gesture". She returned to France after making tearful pleas for the freedom of her co-workers.

The Taliban had originally threatened to behead the captives last weekend, but extended the deadline by a week in recognition of the French presidential elections.

Afghan Presidet Hamid Karzai has ruled out any hostage exchanges for the kidnapped aid workers. He was criticized for freeing 5 Taliban prisoners last month in order to win the release of Italian journalist Daniele Mastrogiacomo, while refusing to deal for his Afghan driver and interpreter, who were beheaded.

Critics said the move increased the risk of kidnappings by militants and others groups wanting prisoners freed, or by criminal groups who could "sell" their captives on or demand ransom.

Less than a week after the Italian was freed, a medical team that included Afghan doctors and nurses was captured in southern Afghanistan. The Taliban has said it has demanded certain prisoners in exchange for the five.

By at 07:40 PM | |