South Korea Says Agreement Reached on Afghan Hostage Release

Aug 28, 09:39 AM

Current Headlines: Text of report in English by South Korean news agency Yonhap

[Yonhap headline: "Cheong Wa Dae Announces Agreement With Taleban To Release 19 Korean Hostages"]

SEOUL, Aug. 28 (Yonhap) - South Korea's presidential office said Tuesday that negotiators from the South Korean government and the Taleban reached an agreement to release all of the 19 South Korean hostages still held in Afghanistan.

"The hostage release agreement was reached after direct talks between Korean and Taleban negotiators from 5:48 p.m. (Korean standard time) to 7:20 p.m. The South Korean government welcomes the agreement on the hostage release," presidential spokesman Cheon Ho- seon said in a press conference.

"The agreement was reached on conditions that South Korea withdraw its troops stationed in Afghanistan by the year's end and impose a ban on its Christian nationals' missionary activities in Pakistan as well as in Afghanistan," Cheon said.

He said the actual timing for the hostage release can't be confirmed for now, adding it will be subject to further consultations with the Taleban captors.

In an indirect telephone conversation with Yonhap News, a Taleban spokesman confirmed the agreement with Seoul to release all of the Korean hostages remaining in Afghanistan. He said the Korean hostages will be released gradually in groups of three to four persons for technical reasons.

"The hostages are spread across Afghanistan. Thus they can't be released at one time. It will take several days," said the spokesman.

Cheon expressed deep gratitude to the Afghan government, multi- national troops stationed in Afghanistan and international organizations for their support in the hostage release.

"The government will take all necessary measures for the safe return of all the hostages," he said.

Cheon said that President Roh Moo-hyun [No Mu-hyo'n], who was briefed on the hostage release agreement, instructed related officials to do their best until all hostages are released and return home safely.

Originally published by Yonhap news agency, Seoul, in English 1222 28 Aug 07.

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