Taleban Says it Released Two South Korean Hostages (1/2)

Taleban leaders say the two women were both sick and have been freed as a gesture of good will.

But there is still no independent verification of the Taleban's claims. Government officials say they have not seen the two women yet but hope they have been released.

The apparent breakthrough comes as Taleban and South Korean officials complete their second day of face-to-face talks in the Afghan city of Ghazni.

Taleban insurgentskidnapped 23 South Koreans on July 19 as the group of Christian volunteers drove through the wartorn province.

Two of the South Koreans have already been executed, and insurgents have said they will kill more unless the government frees a number of pro-Taleban prisoners.

So far the government has refused to consider an exchange.

Afghan Interior Ministry Spokesman Zemarai Bashary says the government is providing security for the talks in Ghazni, but is not directly involved.

"I cannot go into too many details about the issue this much I can say: Afghan representatives were not in that meeting."

Provincial governor Merajuddin Pattan says the government did offer Taleban leaders safe passage to attend the negotiations and remains committed to supporting the South Korean initiative.