A self-described Taleban spokesman says the Afghan government has until mid-day Friday (0730 GMT) to release captured militants in exchange for 22 South Korean hostages -- or more Koreans will be killed.
Purported Taleban spokesman Yousuf Ahmadi told Western news agencies (by telephone) Thursday that negotiations are still possible. He also said that the remaining captives are still alive. CBS News reported on its Web site that one of the women hostages begged for help in a telephone interview with the U.S. television network. The woman, identified as Im Hyun-joo, said the hostages are sick, exhausted and in very bad condition.