The Afghan Taliban demanded on Monday the release of prisoners in exchange for two kidnapped French journalists, and issued a video in which the reporters say their captors will kill them unless the terms are met.The journalists, Stephane Taponnier and Herve Ghesquiere from France 3 television, were captured in mainly French-patrolled Kapisa province, northeast of the capital Kabul, in December along with their Afghan driver and translator. A video was posted on the Taliban's website, alemarah.info shows the journalists making statements. In a statement on the website, the Taliban said they had a sent the Afghan government a list of detainees whose release they demanded in exchange for the French prisoners. This message is the last message for the French government and my TV: France 3. After three months to be prisoner, the Taliban want absolutely that their (will) has to be accepted by French officials, Herve one of the journalists says, reading from a notebook held in front of him in English. The French president, Mr. Nicholas Sarkozy, must understand that we are now in danger of death. I repeat, the French president must negotiate very quickly, otherwise we will be executed soon, he said. Also, they absolutely want that this interview will be broadcast on the French TV. If not, we will be executed soon, he said, adding their interpreter and driver also would be killed. The two journalists are shown making similar statements in French. Both appear to be in good health although tired, and speak slowly and clearly, with little emotion. The Taliban statement said that if those involved in this issue do not show swiftness and urgency, then the life of the French will face danger. France Television, which owns France 3, on Monday broadcast the names and images of the two journalists, saying this was in the interest of their security. The French foreign ministry said earlier on Monday it wanted to remain discreet regarding the hostages, also citing security concerns. French officials generally say a media storm only complicates negotiations. Militants and criminal groups have carried out numerous kidnappings in Afghanistan, with foreign journalists frequently being targeted in rural areas where the militants hold sway.
