| Foreign ministers from 16 Asian nations called on Tuesday for the unconditional release of Korean hostages being held by the Taliban in Afghanistan and offered condolences for the deaths of the two already executed. “The foreign ministers expressed their deepest sympathy to the bereaved families, people and government of South Korea,” said a statement issued by the 10-member Association of South East Asian Nations, as well as Japan, South Korea, China, India, Australia and New Zealand after a meeting in Manila. “They issued an appeal for the immediate and unconditional release of the remaining hostages to enable them to reunite with their loved ones.” The 18 women and five men, all from South Korea, were kidnapped nearly two weeks ago south of Kabul. Two of them have been killed. |