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An Afghan negotiator has given the Chosun Ilbo an insight into the hidden story of negotiations with the Taliban for the release of 21 Koreans held captive by the Islamist group. Lawmaker Abdul Salam Raketi said Taliban militants have refused to meet tribal elders, who usually play a central role in hostage negotiations.
Raketi was himself a senior member of the Taliban and led abductions in the past. In an exclusive interview, Raketi spoke at his house in the Afghan capital of Kabul with Korean freelancer Jean Chung. He hinted that the hostage crisis will drag on, saying a swap of hostages for Taliban prisoners is the only thing the Taliban wants.
- Who did you negotiate with?
With four fellow lawmakers, I went to Ghazni Province on Saturday at the request of the Karzai administration. We were just able to talk with Taliban commanders Mohammad Nasser and Mohammad Hassan on the phone. They rejected all talks not only with our negotiating team but also with tribal elders.
- What is the negotiating strategy of the Taliban?
I have known Nasser and Hassan since I was a Taliban member. They led the abduction of the Koreans and now supervise them. They only stressed a swap of Korean hostages for Taliban prisoners. They threatened to kill us if we go there again; they seemed very indignant. They strongly demanded the release of Taliban prisoners. In Ghazni, I learned that tribal elders don¡¯t play any role in the hostage negotiations. The Taliban militants were not listening to tribal elders, boycotting any negotiations. They wanted to talk with a responsible person from the Karazi government.
- What do you think about taking women captive?
I told Nasser that holding women hostage is against Islamic principles. I asked him to free the female captives. But he rejected the request, saying he doesn¡¯t want to free the female hostages and only wants a swap of Taliban prisoners.
- Does the Taliban want ransom money?
Nasser said that he doesn¡¯t want a ransom. The only thing he wants is a prisoner swap. They didn¡¯t even mention the withdrawal of Korean troops from Afghanistan.
- What is the Afghan government¡¯s basic stance?
The Karzai administration says that a prisoner swap is impossible. But they desperately hope for the resolution of the hostage crisis.
- The Taliban seem to be good at using and playing the media.
When I was a member, the Taliban depended only on radio. But now, there are many TV broadcasters and radio channels. The Taliban use the media to convey their positions.
(englishnews@chosun.com )
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