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CNN Live Saturday

U.S. Rejects Taliban's Offer to Release Aid Workers

Aired October 06, 2001 - 17:04   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
MARTIN SAVIDGE, CNN ANCHOR: Afghanistan's Taliban rulers say they want to make a deal with the U.S.: eight detained Westerners for an end to what they call the mass propaganda of military action against Afghanistan. The White House had a quick response.

CNN's Tom Mintier has more from Islamabad, Pakistan.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

TOM MINTIER, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The offer to release the eight international aid workers came to CNN from the Taliban foreign ministry in Kandahar. The statement -- quoting now -- "The Taliban government is ready to release the eight aid workers if the United States stops its mass propaganda of military action."

It was the first linkage of the case of the Western aid workers from the German-based Shelter Now group to the possibility of military action against the Taliban.

Initial response from the White House in Washington was, "No. there will be no negotiations."

U.S. President George W. Bush has already told the Taliban that in addition to handing over Osama bin Laden they must release the aid workers to avoid a military strike.

The eight detainees including four Germans, two Australians and two Americans have been held awaiting trial by the Taliban since they were arrested in August on charges of attempting to convert Muslims to Christianity.

Last Sunday the trial was postponed by at least 15 days to allow their Pakistani lawyer time to prepare a defense and see the prosecution's evidence. One of the detainees, 24 year old Heather Mercer was treated by a doctor earlier this week in Kabul after she became ill. Her Pakistani attorney says the tension of being held by the Taliban and facing the possibility of U.S. military action was the cause.

Despite how far apart the sides remain Heather Mercer's parents in Islamabad saw the conditional Taliban offer as a good sign.

JOHN MERCER, FATHER OF AID WORKER: Any time I hear the words release and detainees in the same sentence I become encouraged and these recent words out of Kandahar - I'm encouraged by them. And I just hope that our government will also be encouraged and try to work a favorable solution for all sides in this matter.

DEBORAH ODDY, MOTHER OF AID WORKER: It was great to hear that it was an official word from a highly placed official. We haven't heard too much from (UNINTELLIGIBLE) throughout this process. So to have a comment from him that there's a possibility of conviction and release, which is the really important keyword here - we're delighted.

MINTIER (on camera): While Heather Mercer's parents say they're optimistic, "relieved" is not yet a word they're ready to use. They do say if the deal moves forward they'd like to go into Afghanistan, pick up their daughter and take her home.

Tom Mintier, CNN, Islamabad, Pakistan.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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