Taliban returns diplomats' passports

Kabul - Afghanistan's ruling Taliban yesterday returned the passports and rejected new visas for three Western diplomats in Kabul…

Kabul - Afghanistan's ruling Taliban yesterday returned the passports and rejected new visas for three Western diplomats in Kabul seeking to see eight foreign aid workers accused of promoting Christianity, the Pakistan-based Afghan Islamic Press said.

Although the diplomats from the United States, Germany and Australia said they were making a final request to stay in Afghanistan, the ruling Taliban made clear they expected the diplomats to return to neighbouring Pakistan today. The diplomats accused the Taliban of violating international standards of behaviour.