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US Rejects Taliban Offer on Detainees |
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SUN, OCT 07, 2001
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On Saturday, the United States rejected an offer from the Taliban to free eight detained foreign aid workers if the US halts its massive propaganda campaign against the regime.
White House spokeswoman Claire Buchan says President Bush has made it clear that the Taliban needs to release the workers, and that it is time for action, not negotiation. In Pakistan, John Mercer, father of one of the detainees, Heather Mercer, says he is encouraged by the offer, but is waiting for reconfirmation of the wording. The Pakistani lawyer for the detainees, Atif Ali Khan, has also expressed hope, saying that the Taliban has been very cooperative with him. Also on Saturday, Britain's Foreign Office confirmed that the British reporter who was arrested would be released on Saturday or Sunday. This is also seen as a conciliatory gesture by the Taliban. Yvonne Ridley was picked up in Jalalabad on September 28th along with two Afghan guides.
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