Taliban release video of 2 French journalists captured in December in Afghanistan

Taliban release video of 2 French hostages

KABUL — The Taliban released a video Sunday of two French journalists kidnapped in Afghanistan in December pleading for their government to negotiate with their captors.

The video was posted on a Web site and the link was provided by Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid. On it, the two journalists plead for their release and urge French President Nicolas Sarkozy to negotiate quickly with their captors.

The pair disappeared Dec. 30 along with two or three Afghan employees while traveling in Kapisa province northeast of Kabul. French soldiers in the region are fighting the Taliban and other insurgents as part of NATO’s mission in Afghanistan.

In the video, one of the reporters said there was a third hostage, though only the two Frenchmen appeared on tape. They spoke sitting on the floor of a dark room, with a flowered sheet hung behind them. Both were unshaven and appeared tired, but the two reporters both said they were in good health and had been well treated. They said the days and weeks felt long and they were eager to go home.

Last month, Sarkozy confirmed the two were alive and healthy. He said France was doing everything possible to secure their release. French media have not disclosed the identities of the journalists.

The French Foreign Ministry did not confirm the contents of the video, or whether officials have seen it.

“In this type of situation, for regard for the families of our two compatriots and in the very interest of their security, discretion is needed,” the statement said.

The ministry said France is in touch with Afghan authorities and condemned the kidnapping.

“To target journalists carrying out their indispensable mission of information in Afghanistan is unacceptable,” the statement said.