Published 07:37 IST, January 31st 2022

Biden to not consider Taliban's legitimacy until release of last US hostage in Afghanistan

The legitimacy that the Taliban seek is impossible to consider until Mark Frerichs, who was held hostage two years ago in Afghanistan, is released, said US.

Reported by: Aanchal Nigam
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legitimacy that Taliban seek is impossible to consider until US Navy veteran Mark Frerichs, who was held hostage two years ago in Afghanistan, is released, said United States State Department Ned Price on Sunday. On second anniversary of Frerichs’ kidnapping, Price also said that US Navy veteran’s release has been raised by US in every meeting with Taliban. US State Department spokesperson said, “Tomorrow marks two years since U.S. Navy veteran Mark Frerichs was taken hostage.” 

Price said, “Mark is a civil engineer who was helping with construction projects for benefit of Afghan people when he was taken captive.  Despite his innocence, he remains held hostage by Taliban and its affiliates.”

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“ United States has raised Mark’s case in every meeting with Taliban, and we have been clear that legitimacy Taliban seek is impossible to consider while y hold a U.S. citizen hostage.  His release is among our core, non-negotiable priorities. We will continue to send a clear message to Taliban leership: immediately and safely release Mark and disavow practice of hostage-taking,” he ded.

Biden called for US Navy veteran's release

ditionally, US President Joe Biden on Sunday also called for Taliban to “immediately release” Frerichs, who is believed to be last American hostage by militants. In a statement, Biden said, “Threatening safety of Americans or any innocent civilians is always unacceptable, and hostage-taking is an act of particular cruelty and cowardice. Taliban must immediately release Mark before it can expect any consideration of its aspirations for legitimacy. This is not negotiable.”

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“To Mark, and to all Americans being held hostage and wrongfully detained overseas, and to all ir families and friends who are enduring nightmare of ir absence: know that my ministration will continue to work stefastly until every American being unjustly held against ir will comes home,” US President ded.

It is to note that Biden’s statement came as Afghanistan is rocked with a humanitarian crisis following US withdrawal in August along with or nations. Taliban took over control of country on 15 August and former government toppled with foreign nations freezing Afghan assets. Following US President's statement, Frerichs’ sister, Charlene Cakora said that her family was “grateful” for Biden’s words. According to Guardian, she also said, “But what we really want is to have Mark home…We know president has options in front of him to make that happen and hope Mark’s safe return will become a priority for him personally.”

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(Image: AP)
 

07:37 IST, January 31st 2022