The story

A South Korean delegation has arrived in the Afghan province where 21 Koreans are being hostage in an attempt to hold direct talks with Taliban kidnappers and end the two-week ordeal.

The Taliban have killed two Korean hostages, accusing the Afghan government of not negotiating in good faith and ignoring their demand to release rebel prisoners. They have repeatedly threatened to kill the rest if their demands are not met.

"The team, including the Korean ambassador, which has come for the release of Korean nationals, say they have come to speak to the Taliban about choosing a venue for talks," Ghazni provincial governor Mirajuddin Pathan told reporters Thursday. Read full article »

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