Fed: Diplomats to keep pressing Taliban: DFAT

AAP General News (Australia)
08-16-2001
Fed: Diplomats to keep pressing Taliban: DFAT

Australian, German and US diplomats will remain in Afghanistan and continue to press
to see aid-workers despite a Taliban cabinet decision to deny access.

A new tack is also being pursued to gain consular access to West Australians DIANA
THOMAS and PETER BUNCH.

They were arrested with 22 others for allegedly spreading Christianity.

A DFAT spokeswoman says Pakistan, one of the few nations with diplomatic ties to the
Taliban, is now providing assistance to the diplomats.

The Taliban cabinet met yesterday and firmed up its position denying consular access
in defiance of international norms.

The Afghan Islamic Press quoted a foreign ministry spokesman as saying no-one would
be allowed to meet the aid workers while the investigations is in progress.

The two Australians, two Americans, four Germans and 16 Afghanis have been held for
more than 10 days.

AAP RTV kjp/pc/jn

KEYWORD: AFGHAN AUST (CANBERRA)

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