US may consider Taliban prisoner swap

Image
Press Trust of India Washington
Last Updated : Jun 21 2013 | 9:45 AM IST
The US has not ruled out discussions with the Taliban on a prisoner swap as it tries to bring home its soldier held captive by the militants.
"We have not made a decision to transfer any Taliban detainees from Guantanamo Bay, though we anticipate, that the Taliban will raise this issue," State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki told reporters.
"We will make any such decisions in consultation with Congress and according to US law. But they have stated before, as they've stated again today, that this is an issue - the release of these detainees - that they would plan to raise," Psaki said in response to a question.
The United States is currently working on a schedule to hold direct talks with the Taliban - the first in many years.
"We have been very clear on our feelings about Sergeant Bergdahl and the need for him to be released," she said, when asked about the Taliban offer of the release of its soldier in exchange of five Taliban prisoners.
Sergeant Bergdahl was captured in Afghanistan on June 30, 2009. He said in a video that he was captured when he fell behind his unit during a patrol.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Jun 21 2013 | 9:45 AM IST

Next Story