Taliban Wants UN Guarantees In South Korea Talks

South Koreans hold a vigil for the hostages (AFP) August 4, 2007 -- A spokesman for the Taliban says the militia wants the United Nations to guarantee the safety of Taliban negotiators in possible talks with South Korea about the release of 21 South Korean hostages held by the Taliban.

The hostages, Christian aid workers, have been held for more than two weeks, and the Taliban earlier killed two South Korean captives.

The Taliban has demanded that the Afghan government release some Taliban prisoners in exchange for the South Koreans -- a demand the government has rejected.

(AP, AFP)