ISLAMABAD - Afghanistan's hardline rulers offered Saturday to release eight international aid workers if the United States lays off talk of a military strike.
The Taliban's Foreign Ministry reportedly issued the statement to the Afghan Islamic Press news agency. "If they stop issuing threats, we will take steps for the release of the eight foreigners," the release stated.
The aid workers are standing trial in Kabul
The workers are accused of spreading Christianity and have been held in Afghanistan since August. The four Germans, two Americans and two Australians are employees of the German-based organization Shelter Now International.
FROM: SEPT. 27, 2001 Aid workers' preaching trial to resume Saturday
John Mercer says he's hopeful his daughter Heather will be released.
John Mercer
"That's encouraging because it's the first time that I've heard the words 'release' and 'detainees' in the same sentence from the Taliban government," said Mercer from Islamabad.
The Taliban will reportedly also release another foreigner being held in Afghanistan.
The Afghan Islamic Press reports that reclusive Taliban leader Mullah Mohammed Omar has ordered the weekend release of British journalist Yvonne Ridley.
Haron Amin
A representative from the Taliban's rival, the Northern Alliance, says statements from the Taliban cannot be trusted.
"We know the Taliban are going to be asking for more time and this has been an intentional delay tactic," said Haron Amin. "For years they have promised on education for girls, opening schools for girls, opening hospitals for girls, negotiating with the international community on various issues and they haven't delivered."
Amin says while killing the aid workers would be "un-Islamic", it is difficult to predict what the Taliban will do.