Taliban sets new deadline for hostage exchange

In Afghanistan, The Taliban has said again that its jailed militants be freed in exchange for a group of South Koreans. They've also set another deadline for midday Friday. Meanwhile, South Korea says it's trying its best to obtain a quick and safe return of their hostages.

The latest of several Taliban deadlines for the lives of the South Koreans was announced Thursday. It comes a day after one hostage, a 42-year-old pastor, was shot dead.

The South Korean government has expressed outrage at the slaying, and says those responsible will be held accountable.

But Seoul says it opposes any military operation to try to free the hostages.

Song Min-Soon, South Korean FM, said, "We're making efforts to clear all the concerns, but there are many restrictions. We're trying to maintain our contacts efficiently. We are aware of the general situation, but I can't secure anything because the situation is very fluid. We'll do our best."

The governor of Ghazni province has stressed he's also trying to come up with a peaceful resolution.

Marajudin Pathan, governor of Ghazni province, said, "We will continue to the last moment to (help) release the hostages through peaceful channels, through negotiations. If all channels fail then we will make the decision, we will make the appropriate, the best decision."

South Korea has sent its chief national security advisor to Afghanistan to work closely with the Afghan government to secure the release of the 22 Korean hostages.

He's expected to arrive in Afghanistan Friday which could mean the Taliban may wait until at least then to see what offer, if any, he brings to negotiations.

Meanwhile, at a candle-lit vigil in Seoul, anti-war protesters called for South Korea to withdraw its troops.