Monk's Mercedes-Benz is the talk of the town in violence-hit Sri Lanka

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka -- The tale of the Buddhist monk and his shiny, new Mercedes-Benz has sparked a national drama that has enthralled Sri Lanka and left many questioning the political — and religious — ethics of the cleric's hawkish political party.

The roots of the scandal lie in a special perk for Sri Lanka's lawmakers that allows them to import cars without paying the country's massive duties, which often double or triple the cost of a vehicle.

The law bars them from selling their tax-free cars for five years, but it's common practice for lawmakers to do so, importing expensive vehicles in their names and turning the keys over to wealthy businessmen for a hefty fee.

Devout monk-legislator Ellawala Medhananda has denied accusations he sold his new silver, E-class Mercedes for a huge profit. But even as he insisted the car was still his, a top political rival was driving around town in it.

For many here, even allegations that a Buddhist monk would join in the shady practice and break the law to make tens of thousands of dollars (euros) were too much, especially when much of the country is struggling to eke out a living amid a bitter civil war.

"They (the monks' party) came into politics promising to set new standards for the political mainstream, but see what they are doing today. This is unacceptable," opposition lawmaker Gayantha Karunathilake said Monday.

Medhananda's party, the monk-led Jathika Hela Urumaya, or National Heritage Party, called accusations that it sold the car to businessman Hemantha Nishantha a political smear.

"We have not sold or transferred the ownership of vehicles. This is merely a well-planned political campaign to discredit our party and weaken the government, which has shown military success against terrorism," party spokesman Udaya Gammampila said.

The monks' party, which calls for the government to aggressively fight against mainly Hindu Tamil separatists, wields great influence among the 70 percent of Sri Lankans who are ethnic Sinhalese, most of them Buddhist.

The conflict, one of Asia's longest running, has left some 70,000 dead since 1983 and displaced hundreds of thousands. The country was also hard-hit by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and many people are still struggling to recover, having lost family and livelihoods.

The car controversy exploded into a near farce recently when opposition leader Ranil Wickremesinghe — an intense political rival of Medhananda — turned up for a meeting with another prominent monk at a Buddhist temple driving the Mercedes.

Wickremesinghe said the businessman, Nishantha, who happens to be a supporter of his, lent him the car.

Through intermediaries, Nishantha declined requests for comment. In an interview in The Sunday Leader newspaper, he said he paid 13 million rupees (US$116,000; €85,350) to an intermediary for the car and had received an offer from the JHU to buy it back for less than half that amount.

Medhananda's exasperated party colleagues accused Wickremesinghe of essentially stealing the monk's car, and threatened to press charges.

Many Sri Lankans said the incident underscored the corruption plaguing the country, but the involvement of a monk made it even more difficult to digest.

Manoj Dissanayake, a local businessman, said Buddhist monks should stay away from politics. "For centuries, the role of Buddhist monks was to advise rulers and not to become rulers," he said.

The Morning Leader newspaper said Medhananda should be held to a higher ethical standard than other politicians.

"It could be argued that transfer of such permits by (members of Parliament) to outsiders for millions of rupees is an open secret," it said in an editorial last month. "But should MP monks, said to be the epitome of morality and virtue, engage in such shady practices?"- AP

Alternative therapy, cancer-fighting foods

There is a plethora of alternative treatments people are trying. MYB takes a look at some of them, but please consult your physician before you embark on any activity or treatment.

>>REIKI: This is based on the belief that when a patient's spirit is healed with energy channelled through a practitioner, it in turn heals the physical body.

>>MUSIC THERAPY: It can play many roles in treating cancer. For example, it helps distract and relax the patient and improve his or her spiritual, emotional and physical well-being.

>>HYPNOSIS: A qualified hypnotist can help put the patient in a deeply relaxed state that can help reduce discomfort and anxiety.

>>MEDITATION AND PRAYER: Meditation is a relaxation technique that allows you to focus your energy. This, say proponents, helps to relax the mind and body. For patients who believe in a higher spiritual power, prayer can provide strength, comfort and inspiration throughout the cancer experience.

>>VISUALISATION: A patient is asked to think of an inner picture that represents the fight against cancer. Some people undergoing chemotherapy use images of rockets blasting away their cancer cells or of knights in armour battling these cells.

>>EXERCISE: Activity can lessen pain and strengthen weak muscles. Advocates say it restores balance and decreases depression and fatigue.

>>TAIJI: This is an ancient Chinese martial art based on Taoism. The exercises and poses are designed to balance flows of energy. The American Cancer Society reports that taiji may be used to relieve the tension, stress, muscle wasting and fatigue associated with cancer. - National Cancer Institute, American Cancer Society

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Cancer-fighting foods
Research activity is buzzing in the area of nutrition. Several studies show that specific nutrients prevent the growth of cancer.

One example is a substance called Indole-3-carbinol, found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cabbage. It has been found to stop the growth of prostate and breast cancers.

Another is the Coriolus versicolor mushroom. Several studies document the immune boosting effects of this mushroom.

In Japan, this mushroom is currently used as a cancer treatment, in conjunction with surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation for certain cancers. This combination has been found to improve survival rates.

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When journalist Khoo-Kingsley moved to Darwin, Australia in the mid-1990s, she met a fellow farmer who claimed to have beaten cancer by eating only organic produce.

Since then, she has devoted herself to promoting a vegetarian, chemical-free diet, not only through farming but also through her writing.

In this book, she interviews some cancer survivors who swear by their herbal diets.

Common terms in wine

Acetic: Indicates an undesirable vinegary smell in the wine.

Bite: Portrays a powerful initial sensation of acidity or tannin, which grabs your attention once the wine is tasted.

Cat's pee: A pungent aroma found in some sauvignon blanc wines.

Dirty: Describes a wine with an unattractive smell, usually caused by hydrogen sulphide.

Extra sec: French term for extra dry. Mainly used in champagne, but it is actually a sweeter style than brut, or very dry.

Finish: Describes the final sensation left in the mouth once a wine is swallowed. A long, persistent finish is a sign of a fine wine.

Green: An uncomplimentary term indicating a lack of ripeness, particularly in red wine.

Hollow: Signifies that a wine lacks depth, particularly on the middle palate.

Legs: Describes the pattern formed when wine trickles down the inside of a glass after being swirled. "Good" or persistent legs indicate a high viscosity and are sometimes associated with a high alcoholic content.

Maderised: Suggests that a wine is too mature and oxidised, and has a cooked taste.

Nose: Indicates the aroma and bouquet of a wine.

Oxidised: Indicates that a wine is affected by contact with air. It results in the loss of fruitiness and freshness. White wines can also sometimes start to brown.

Petrolly: Signifies an oily smell in the wine. This is typical of fine, aged riesling.

Reduced: Refers to a wine that develops a dirty smell that is similar to rotten eggs.

Short: Signifies a wine that leaves very little aftertaste.

Tough: Describes a wine that has a harsh taste, usually the result of a high tannin content.

Vin de garde: French term for wine that is suitable for ageing.

Wood: Describes the flavours in wine derived from ageing in barrel. Not to be confused with "woody" which is used to describe unpleasant flavours derived from old or dirty barrels, or from stalks.

Nokia warns of faulty phone batteries

HELSINKI, Finland (AP) -- Nokia Corp. warned Tuesday that up to 46 million batteries used in some of its cell phones could be faulty and pose a risk of overheating.

The advisory applies to batteries manufactured by Matsushita from December 2005 to November 2006, the world's largest mobile phone maker said. Matsushita Battery Industrial Co. Ltd. of Japan is one of several suppliers that have together made some 300 million BL-5C batteries.

The lithium-ion battery is one of 14 different types of battery used in Nokia phones.

Nokia said 100 incidents of overheating of the Matsushita-made BL-5C batteries have been reported worldwide, but added that "no serious injuries or property damage have been reported."

"Consumers with a BL-5C battery subject to this advisory should note that all of the approximately 100 incidents have occurred while charging the battery," the Finnish company said. "According to Nokia's knowledge this issue does not affect any other use of the mobile device."

Nokia did not recall the batteries, but said concerned customers could request a replacement for any BL-5C battery affected by the advisory.

Last year, Sony Corp. recalled more than 10 million laptops after it discovered that lithium-ion batteries used in them could overheat and catch fire. The recalls included notebooks made by other major computer makers, including Dell Inc., Lenovo Inc., Apple Inc. and Acer Inc.

Nokia sells products in 130 countries and employs 110,000 people worldwide. In the second quarter, it sold 100 million mobile devices, claiming a 38 percent share of the global market.

XBOX 360 GETS A PRICE CUT

Microsoft Xbox 360 Elite has a 120GB hard disk and HDMI jack.

IT'S a good time to buy an Xbox360 as Microsoft has announced a price cut as well as the local availability of the new black Elite edition.

You get the usual 20GB hard disk, wireless controller and headset.
Hardcore gamers will be more interested in the Elite model launching here on 13 Aug. It features a 120GB hard drive, black wireless controller as well as easier connectivity to the television with a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) jack.

The HDMI cable transmits both hi-definition video and surround sound audio signals, so it makes for less messy wiring around the house.

Also, if you love downloading new trial games and videos from Xbox Live Arcade, the larger hard disk (also available separately, price unavailable) is really quite necessary.

The price cuts are meant to counter the Sony PlayStation3's price cuts in the US and inevitably later in the rest of the world.

The 60GB PlayStation 3's price in the US is now US$500 while the Xbox 360 Elite is now priced at about US$450.

The price cuts may also help do damage control for Microsoft as it had to announce a repair bill of more than US$1 billion to fix Xbox360 consoles with sudden hardware failure.

And of course, it's just in time for the September launch of the much anticipated Halo 3 shooter game too.

LOVE WAR

Czech midfield star Tomas Rosicky (Left) will be under extra scrutiny as he is torn between his love for 'the enemy', his formative club, Sparta Prague, and his present club, Arsenal. -- Picture: AP

ARSENAL'S Champions League clash away to Sparta Prague today will be an emotional homecoming for Tomas Rosicky.

The Czech Republic midfielder will be playing against what he still calls his club for the first time ever in the crucial third qualifying round first-leg match in his home city.

The 26-year-old played for Sparta from a young age until he signed for Germany's Borussia Dortmund in 2001.

'It will be the first time I will be playing against them,' he told Arsenal TV Online.

'I grew up there. This is my club. I was there from (age) seven or eight until my 20s, and Sparta Prague prepared me for all the steps throughout my career.

'My brother played for Sparta Prague and my father played for Sparta Prague, so it is a bit emotional.

'It will be strange for me because I have feelings for the club.'

Five Gunners players who will miss the Prague trip were those not fit enough for Arsenal's opening English Premier League match, a 2-1 home win over Fulham.

They are: striker Eduardo da Silva (ankle injury), midfielders Abou Diaby and Denilson, veteran midfielder Gilberto, who was given an extended break following Brazil's Copa America triumph, and Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor (groin).

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is expected to name an unchanged side.
Said Wenger: 'Rosicky will be under pressure more than the others because of the extra scrutiny.

'It is a big game for the whole squad, because for us what is at stake is whether we qualify or not.

'He is classy and I feel he is at the age where he can get the right balance in the final third.

'He is sharp, quick and lively. What we want from him is key passes and to score goals. I am convinced he will.'

About his team's attitude towards the game, Wenger said: 'I learnt (on Sunday) what I knew before from the preparation - that we had great unity and desire and a great hunger as well.

'This came out in the game because we won a match that we certainly would not have won last year.'

Wenger knows it will not be an easy ride against the Czech champions at the AXA Arena.

'It is a vital match,' said the Arsenal manager. 'We want to be in the group stage. Nobody invites you to get in on a red carpet. Sparta are a good team and the first game is very important.'

Wenger is keen to see the Gunners 'fight' on both the domestic and European fronts this season. PA Sport.

China watchdog bans tainted Indonesian cookies

BEIJING (Reuters) - China's quality watchdog has banned the import of children's cookies produced by PT. Arnott's Indonesia, a subsidiary of U.S. food giant Campbell Soup Company, after tests detected excessive levels of aluminium, the watchdog said.

The move comes as China's exports are itself placed under heightened international scrutiny following the recall of millions of toys made for Mattel because of excessive lead and unsafe magnets, and a series of scandals involving pet food, toothpaste and tyres.

Some 1.6 tonnes of biscuits from Indonesia in several flavours of a children's brand were found with aluminium levels about three times above the standard, China's General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) said on its Web site on Wednesday.

"AQSIQ has already reported the situation to Indonesia and requested that appropriate measures be taken," the notice said.

Aluminium consumed in high amounts over long periods of time has been linked to memory loss, central nervous system damage and dementia.

Staff at Campbell Soup offices in Shanghai and Hong Kong contacted by Reuters by telephone said relevant departments were unavailable to provide comment.

Earlier in the month, China banned imports of fish and other aquatic products from Indonesia after finding heavy metals, including cadmium and mercury, and drug residues in samples.

How to select food carefully ?

Food safety begins when we do our shopping.

Food in damaged packaging can be contaminated by micro-organisms. Similarly, food safety and quality may be compromised if the food has expired. Food that has turned mouldy may contain toxins that can cause health problems. Exercising care in food selection can reduce the risk of food poisoning.

Tips:
- Buy your food from established and reliable retail establishments.
- Select food that has not passed its expiry date, as shown on the packaging.
- Do not buy chilled or frozen food that is displayed at room temperature.
- Select frozen food that has been stored below the load line of the freezing unit to avoid temperature abuse.
- Do not choose canned food that is badly dented or bloated.
- Avoid food packaging that is torn, leaking or infested with insects.
- Do not buy food that has turned mouldy or rancid. It may be contaminated with harmful mycotoxins.
- Check that bottled milk or drinks are tightly sealed.
- Buy eggs that are clean. Avoid cracked eggs as bacteria can enter eggs through the cracks.

10 Most Popular Honeymoon Destinations

1. Paris, France
The number one spot for honeymooners is still the city of love. Here you’ll find popular attractions like the Eiffel Tower and Musee du Louvre, chill-out al fresco cafés and lots of shops to keep you busy for days!

2. Switzerland
The picture perfect image of the spectacular alpine scenery, cosy mountain chalets, exciting ski runs, grand hotels and calm lakes still makes this a popular choice for many.

3. New Zealand
Great adventure and breath-taking scenery best describes NZ. They have amazing glaciers, meadows and rain forests, and an exciting list of activities like mountain climbing, bungee jumping off cliffs, white-water rafting and rolling down hillsides in giant plastic balls.

4. Tokyo, Mt. Fuji, Atami, Kyoto, Lake Biwa, Osaka and Kobe, Japan
A bustling country with lots to see and do, Japan is rich in tradition yet modern. Explore cities together and catch some of Japan’s most gorgeous mountains, quirky inventions, charming temples and colourful shops.

5. Venice, Milan, Florence and Rome, Italy
Known for its poets and paintings, Italy’s numerous cities are simply enchanting. You’ll love Rome’s epic architectures, Florence’s cobblestone side streets and rolling hills, Milan’s shopping malls and Venice’s rich culture.

6. Spain
A place with beautiful vineyards, charming country sides and passionate Flamenco dancers, Spain will enchant you instantly. Almost every town and village has its own fiesta too, so be prepared for endless celebrations and good fun!

7. Hawaii
Watch the sun rise in the morning, and bask along the sandy beaches in the afternoon. This beautiful island filled with tropical flowers, exotic birds and friendly locals will make your honeymoon truly unforgettable.

8. Bali
Explore Bali and amaze yourself with the natural wonders of the island. It is the lure of the colourful Balinese Hindu festivals, friendly locals, miles of white sands and cool craft shops that keep honeymooners coming back.

9. Maldives
If you’re ready to splurge on a luxurious beach holiday, this one’s a winner. Escape with your honey to the beautiful island with soft beaches, sparkling turquoise lagoons, and an underwater scenery that’s full of marvellous sights and colourful fishes. It’s absolute paradise.

10. Tioman island, Malaysia
Soak in the beauty of this charming tropical island that’s great for scuba and beach activities. Expect clear waters, coral reefs, long stretch of beaches, cascading waterfalls and lush jungles, but avoid during the monsoon seasons between November through February.

10 tips on how to have an everlasting relationship

Is marriage the beginning of happiness and love ever after, or the end? Well, it can be either one, or both. So, if you want to be smiling sweetly always, perhaps these 10 tips will just do the trick

1. Do something very trivial yet very special to your partner. Remember, it has to be very trivial because the smaller the gesture, the greater the meaning. It will magnify your sensitivity.

2. Give your partner a foot massage. This is a luxury and sheer enjoyment, especially for the receiver. If you are the receiver, return the favour.

3. Watch TV together in a warmly lit room. Hold hands and snuggle up. Do this once a week.

4. Dress up for each other, whenever you go out. Ask for your partner’s opinion to show you care about how he/she feels and he/she is the reason you want to look good.

5. Act silly. Whenever you have the chance, make your partner laugh. It will brighten and lighten up your partner’s mood and yours too!

6. Be a Samaritan. Jointly. Do a good deed together. You will feel so different when you know you have the ability to make a difference in someone’s life, especially when it’s a dual effort.

7. Play with your kid, together. This is a good bonding time for the entire family.

8. Sing. Not necessarily songs, but songs of praises of your partner. Do it as often as you can, with all the sincerity you have.

9. Crown your partner. Make your partner feel like a King or Queen, for a day. Specify one day in a month when you will crown your partner with the highest honour. Take turns doing so. It does feel heavenly to be on top of the world…

10. Support. This is very, very critical. A husband and wife should give each other support at all times, especially when the world seems to be unfriendly, or worse - attacking. To gain the support of your spouse at such trying moments could be the only source of energy and the sole link for your sanity.

Ultimately, what makes a marriage gel with eternal bliss and joy is the love you have for each other. Make your love known to your partner, and be willing to spend time with and for him/her.

Nutrition - In Good Hands

Our dietitian offers tips on how to ensure good grub at your child’s school.


Make sure that the childcare centre:

* Has a cycle menu – a two- to four-week cycle for a fixed period of time
* Offers a balance of different foods from all food groups every day
* Gives variety – the same food should not be offered on consecutive days, and foods should be cooked in different ways (e.g. minced meat can be served as a patty, in a stew or stir fried)
* A combination of different textures, shapes and colours in the main meals and teatime snacks
* Introduces small amounts of new/unfamiliar foods periodically
* Caters to special requests to meet the needs of different cultures (such as vegetarians) or special dietary needs, such as food allergies

Other checks you can make at your tot’s childcare centre:

* Go through the menu to check if ingredients are stated;
* Pay a surprise visit to check if the food served is as stated in the menu;
* Inspect the school’s kitchen facilities and take note of its overall cleanliness;
* Ask about cook’s background, such as training and hygiene certificates.

US toy maker Mattel recalls 18 million toys made in China

WASHINGTON - US toy maker Mattel on Tuesday announced it was recalling more than 18 million Chinese-made toys worldwide, including nine million in the United States, citing injuries to at least three children who swallowed small magnets that had broken loose.

"Mattel is recalling 18.2 million magnetic toys globally, 9.5 million in the US," the California-based company said in a statement.

The recall affected "certain dolls, figures, play sets and accessories that may release small, powerful magnets," the statement said.

All the toys were manufactured in China, according to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

"The recall expands upon Mattel's voluntary recall of eight toys in November 2006 and is based on a thorough internal review of all Mattel's brands," the US toy manufacturer said.

Among the recalled products were 7.3 million Polly Pocket play sets.

Mattel recalled 4.4 million Polly Pocket play sets in November after receiving 170 reports of magnets becoming dislodged.

If swallowed, the magnets could attract each other and cause intestinal perforation, infection or blockage, which can be fatal.

"There had been three reports of serious injuries to children who swallowed more than one magnet," the CPSC and Mattel said in a joint statement.

"All three suffered intestinal perforations that required surgery," the statement said.

Since the previous recall, more than 400 reports of magnets coming loose have been received by the US toy manufacturer. - AFP/ir

Bus of death - killed 20

KUALA LUMPUR - TWENTY people were killed and several others critically injured in a bus crash thought to be one of Malaysia's worst traffic accidents.

The driver apparently lost control of the vehicle which skidded before overturning near a village in northern Perak state, the official Bernama news agency said on Monday.

The accident left seven people in critical condition.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi blamed human error for the crash, saying the road was well maintained and was 'in first class order'.

'We provide the best facility, we've maintained it well and yet human error, human carelessness, has caused the accident that involved the deaths of many people,' Mr Abdullah said in an address to a business forum.

'At this moment 20 have died,' he said.

A police official in the area said that two foreigners - an Indonesian and a Thai - were among the casualties.

A police spokesman quoted by Bernama said the bus was driving downhill when it hit a barrier, skidded and overturned before ending up in a ditch.

Passengers were flung out or were pinned inside the vehicle, which Bernama said was reduced to a 'mangled heap'. -- AFP

Keep your hands clean

1) Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling any food items or utensils.

2) Wash your hands before and after preparing food, especially raw meat, poultry and seafood and before handling cooked or ready-to-eat food.

3) Wash your hands after:
- using the toilet.
- touching rubbish/bins.
- coughing or sneezing or caring for the sick.
- handling pets

Keep your kitchen clean

1) Keep cutting boards, utensils, cleaning cloths, sinks and countertops clean and dry to prevent accumulation of dirt and harbouring of bacteria.

2) Place kitchen waste in bags or covered bins and dispose them frequently. Kitchen waste attracts insects and rodents which can carry germs.

3) Clean all kitchen surfaces and countertops with detergent and hot water.

4) Cutting boards in particular are prone to harbouring bacteria. Use a brush to scrub off the stubborn food and dirt particles. Sanitise plastic cutting boards with chlorine or bleach solution.

5) A smelly dishcloth, towel or kitchen sponge is a sure sign of unsafe bacterial growth. Kitchen sponges in particular, can harbour millions of bacteria. Disinfect these in chlorine solution or heat for 2 minutes in the microwave oven.

6) Frequently change tea towels or dishcloths that come into contact with plates and utensils. After using them, dry them quickly to prevent germs from breeding.

7) Clean up as soon as possible. Do not let food residue dry on kitchen surfaces and utensils. It becomes more difficult to remove

Keep your food clean

1) Wash and soak fruits and vegetables before eating or cooking.

- Remove the soiled portions of vegetables
- Cut off the base and wash away any residual soil in a basin of tap water.
- Soak the vegetables in fresh tap water for 15 minutes.
- Before cutting and cooking, rinse the vegetables again in a basin of fresh tap water. Special detergent and washes are not needed.
- For harder items like potatoes, scrub the skin gently with a brush.
- Avoid cutting and shredding fruits and vegetables too early to preserve the nutritional value as some nutrients may be lost when exposed to air.

2) Do not put raw vegetables on a plate that has previously held raw meat, poultry or seafood until it has been thoroughly washed. The juices from the raw food can contaminate the raw vegetables that you are going to eat. This is known as cross-contamination.

3) Clean raw meat and seafood before storing or cooking to remove dirt and other contaminants.

4) Place raw food in tightly-wrapped plastic bags or covered containers in the refrigerator to prevent raw food juices from dripping onto other food.

5) Wash and dry utensils – including chopping boards and knives – and surfaces thoroughly before and after preparing raw meat, poultry and seafood. It is best to use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw and cooked food. If you only have one cutting board, always wash it thoroughly with soap and hot water between uses.

Importance Of Food Safety

The number of food-borne disease outbreaks has been increasing around the world.

Annually, about 1.5 billion cases of food-borne disease outbreaks are reported, resulting in 3 million deaths globally.

Singapore enjoys one of the lowest incidences of food-borne disease outbreaks compared to the rest of the world.

This is despite the fact that more than 90% of all food consumed here is imported.

How did we manage to escape many of the food-borne disease outbreaks that plague other countries?

Very simply, Singapore observes stringent food safety standards.

The AVA, our national food safety authority, has put in place an effective integrated food safety system to ensure that food is safe for consumption.

However, no system is foolproof without the collaboration of the industry and consumers in Singapore.

We handle and consume food in one way or another. As such, the assurance of food safety is a shared responsibility.

Through public education, AVA hopes to raise awareness about the importance of food safety.

Now, by learning some tips on food safety, you too can play a part in ensuring your food is safe to eat.

Together, let's keep food safe!

2 female S. Korean hostages freed: Taliban

Two female South Korean hostages have been freed by the Taliban on Saturday night, a purported Taliban spokesman Yousuf Ahmadi said.

The two sick hostages were freed unconditionally and were staying in Ghazni province, Ahmadi told Xinhua from an undisclosed place, adding soon they may reach Ghazni city, the provincial capital.

They were freed as the Taliban leadership wanted to show a " good gesture" toward South Korean authorities, he said.The Taliban wanted to accelerate the talks on South Korean hostages by releasing the two females, he added.

However, neither Afghan nor South Korean officials have immediately confirmed the releasing.

Meanwhile, the Taliban spokesman Ahmadi said other hostages would not be released if the Taliban's demands for the liberty of some Taliban prisoners were not met, according to some media reports.

Several South Korean diplomats and two Taliban delegates, who are Mullah Bashir and Mullah Nasratullah, carried out first face- to-face talks on the hostages on Friday and Saturday in Ghazni city.

Earlier Saturday, the two Taliban delegates said the negotiations were going on very well, and hopefully the hostages would be released in one or two days if the Taliban's demands were met.

They also showed their optimism toward a peaceful end to the hostage crisis and assured all hostages would be released.

The Taliban said the two delegates were sent to the government- controlled city for the talks as Afghan authorities gave a written guarantee for their safety.

A total of 23 South Koreans were kidnapped by Taliban militants on a road in the central Ghazni province on July 19.

Taliban rebels killed two male hostages on July 25 and July 30 separately to press Afghan and South Korean authorities to meet their demands.

The others were still being held by Taliban militants.

The Afghan government has refused to release Taliban prisoners as the Taliban has demanded to exchange for the hostages.

Taliban militants have carried out kidnappings in Afghanistan over the past two years frequently, and some hostages were killed. Source: Xinhua