Afghans say might use force if hostage talks fail

Kabul: Afghan mediators tried to negotiate with Taliban rebels on Saturday to free the remaining 22 Korean hostages and might use force should talks fail, a senior official said.

"We believe in the talks and if dialogue fails then we will resort to other means," said Munir Mangal, a deputy interior minister. When asked if that meant use of force, he replied: "Certainly".

He said mediators included Islamic clergy who were trying to persuade the Taliban to free the hostages without conditions.

He also ruled out bowing to the Taliban demand to free insurgent captives held by Kabul.

"We are trying to finish this work through understanding without any conditions," he said.

On Friday, Taliban spokesman, Qari Mohammad Yousuf, said Kabul had given assurances it would release Taliban prisoners as part of an exchange deal.

The Taliban said they would not issue further deadlines after their second deadline expired on Friday.