Korean Hostages

The Taleban in Afghanistan says it has agreed to hold direct talks with a top South Korean official about the release of 21 South Korean hostages.The two sides are still deciding on a location for the negotiations.South Korea and the United States say they have ruled out using force to free the remaining hostages. A South Korean presidential spokesman, Cheon Ho-seon, says any rescue attempt would require South Korean permission.A delegation of South Korean lawmakers is traveling to the United States to persuade Washington to help end the standoff. The Taleban says the hostages are still alive - but warns that any rescue operation

South Korean protesters light candles during a rally demanding the safe return of South Koreans kidnapped in Afghanistan and the withdrawal of South Korean troops from that country in Seoul, 25 Jul 2007

A deadline set by Taleban kidnappers in Afghanistan has passed, with no word on the fate of their 22 Korean hostages.

A purported Taleban spokesman says the hostages would be killed unless Afghan authorities release Taleban prisoners in exchange for the Koreans.