Taliban says it will try to release British couple as soon as possible
The Taliban told the BBC that it would work to release two British nationals arrested and detained in Afghanistan “as soon as possible”.
Peter Reynolds, 79, and his 75-year-old wife, Barbie, were arrested on February 1 while returning to his home in the country’s Bamiyan province.
The couple was also arrested along with the couple, a spokesman for the interior ministry said.
The British Foreign Office said on Monday it is supporting their families.
“A series of considerations are considered and after evaluation, we will release them as soon as possible,” Taliban official Abdul Mateen Qani said in a statement.
He added that all three foreign nationals have Afghan passports and national ID cards.
The reason for Mr. Reynolds’ arrest has not been confirmed.
The couple has been conducting training programs in Afghanistan 18 years, including those involved in training mothers and children.
Although the Taliban prohibits education for girls over the age of 12, women are not allowed to work, their work is clearly approved by local authorities.
Taliban announces women will be Working in NGOs is prohibited (NGO) in 2022. Last December, it said Close any NGOs that employ women.
The two got married in Kabul in 1970. After the Taliban returned to power in August 2021, they remained in Afghanistan, with most Westerners leaving the country.
Their daughter Sarah Entwistle told the BBC I haven’t heard from my parents for more than two weeks.
After the two were initially arrested, they communicated through text, but contact stopped three days later.
Ms. Entwistle and her siblings wrote to the Taliban, begging for their parents for their release.
“We recognize that in some cases, communication is good for your government and for the West,” they wrote.
“However, our parents have been expressing their commitment to Afghanistan and pointing out that they would rather sacrifice their lives than be part of a ransom negotiation or deal.”
On Monday, Ms Entwistle said they wanted to give the Taliban an opportunity to “explain their reasons” because Mr. Renault and Mr. had “always tried to respect” the organization.
But she said they could not wait any longer, telling the Times broadcast: “We are now urgently calling on the British consulate to do our best to get our answers and release their pressure on the Taliban as much as possible”.
Britain closed its embassy in Kabul and withdrew diplomats from the country after the Taliban reappeared.
The Foreign Ministry said support for British nationals in Afghanistan was “seriously restricted” and recommended that all travel to the country be prevented.
Other reports from Mahfouz Zubaide.
