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Afghan govt admits to prisoner exchange deal with Taliban
The Afghan government admitted on Tuesday to freeing some Taliban prisoners in exchange for the release of an Italian hostage, saying it was an exceptional measure that would not be repeated. The Taliban freed Daniele Mastrogiacomo on Monday after capturing him in the southern province of Helmand on March 4, along with an Afghan translator and a driver. The driver was beheaded and the fate of the translator is unclear. They had some demands and their demands to some extent were accepted, presidential spokesman Karim Rahimi told reporters. Asked if he could confirm some Taliban were exchanged for the reporter, he replied: Yes. He did not say how many. Taliban commander Mullah Dadullah said through an Afghan news agency on Monday that he freed the Italian after receiving five Taliban prisoners. The spokesman said, without elaborating, that one of the Taliban demanded by commander Dadullah refused to go. The government really appreciates his decision, Rahimi said. The deal to free Mastrogiacomo has raised concern, with United Nations spokesman in Afghanistan Adrian Edwards saying on Tuesday the UN does not negotiate with terrorists. Posted by: Fred 2007-03-21 |
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