The Italian journalist kidnapped by the Taliban will be executed in three days if the group's demands are not met. The Taliban want a withdrawal of Italian troops from Afghanistan as well as the release of one of its members. Daniele Mastrogiacomo, a reporter for the Repubblica newspaper, was seized with two Afghan nationals. His driver was killed for allegedly spying for foreign troops. He had his throat slit this morning, according to a Taliban fighter.
But Italy has refused to negotiate with the Taliban. Foreign Minister Massimo D'Alema said humanitarian groups were working on a solution and that they were working in the utmost discretion. The journalist has made desperate pleas to Rome via video and audio messages. The tapes were obtained by the Italian aid group 'Emergency'.
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