Taleban advise diplomats to leave

The diplomats have been allowed to hand over food

Afghanistan's Taleban authorities have refused to extend visas for Western diplomats waiting in Kabul to see eight foreign aid workers arrested for allegedly trying to convert Muslims to Christianity.

Officials advised the diplomats to leave the country, after repeatedly denying them permission to visit the workers - two Americans, two Australians and four Germans.

There is no need for them [the diplomats] to stay any longer

Abdul Rehman Hotak, director of Taleban consular department

The decision came shortly after the United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, accused the Taleban of violating international law by denying the detainees consular access.

Mr Annan warned that the continued detention of the aid workers could affect crucial humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, which is suffering from the effects of war, poverty and drought.

"The secretary-general appeals to the Taleban for a speedy solution in line with international norms and obligations," a UN statement said.

The Taleban authorities have made it clear that foreign diplomats will not be allowed to see the eight.

"Our meetings are finished. There is no need for them [the diplomats] to stay any longer," Abdul Rehman Hotak, the director of the Taleban consular department, said after meetings with the diplomats on Thursday.

Charges

The eight aid workers from the charity Shelter Now International were arrested 10 days ago on charges of proselytising, along with 16 Afghan colleagues.

Ottaq: No point in staying

Australian Consul Alastair Adams said he and fellow diplomats had been warned that "any sign of trying to hurry the investigation may be counter-productive".

The foreign aid workers - four Germans, two Australians and two Americans - are facing trial on charges of trying to convert Muslims to Christianity.

The 16 Afghans working for the same organisation are also facing trial.

Mr Hotak said the Taleban would broaden their investigation to include every aid organisation working in Afghanistan, including the United Nations.

'Staying on'

The diplomats - who arrived in Kabul on Tuesday - have visas that are valid until 21 August.

We believe that consular access applies to any detainees anywhere in the world - the Taleban disagree with that

US envoy
David Donahue

Attempts to get them extended have apparently been unsuccessful.

However, the US has said that one of its diplomats will stay in Afghanistan in the hope the Taleban will allow him access to the two US nationals.

The diplomat, David Donahue, described the Taleban's stance in refusing access to the detainees as "unacceptable".

He said he did not accept the Taleban claims "that this is a serious crime so extraordinary restrictions can be put on" the aid workers.

"We believe that consular access applies to any detainees anywhere in the world - the Taleban disagree with that."

Items for detainees

The Taleban have allowed the diplomats to hand over letters, personal items and food for the detainees.

They have not allowed the detainees to write letters home.

The diplomats held their first meeting with Taleban officials on Wednesday and were told that their nationals were well.

It is unclear which Taleban laws might apply to the foreign aid workers.

Two different decrees cover the crime of trying to persuade an Afghan to renounce Islam.

One applies to foreigners and orders deportation after a short prison term.

The other stipulates death for any Afghan who converts as well as the person who instigated the conversion.