Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=10/11/04

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=PAKISTAN/CHINESE HOSTAGES UPDATE (S)

NUMBER=2-319585

BYLINE=AYAZ GUL

DATELINE=ISLAMABAD

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

/// EDS: RE-SENDING TO ADD DETAIL OF DEMANDS TO INTRO ONLY ///

HEADLINE: Talks on Release of Two Chinese Hostages in Pakistan Taking Place

INTRO: The kidnappers of two Chinese engineers in Pakistan are threatening to kill them if their demands are not met. Ayaz Gul reports from Islamabad that the kidnappers want safe passage with their captives to the mountain hideout of their commander.

TEXT: The Chinese men were kidnapped Saturday in the South Waziristan region bordering Afghanistan, where Pakistani forces are engaged in operations to kill or capture al-Qaida linked militants.

Pakistan Information Minister Sheikh Rasheed Admed says negotiations are underway.

/// RASHEED ACT ///

"We are hopeful that these Chinese engineers will be released soon."

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Speaking to VOA by telephone from an unknown location, one of the kidnappers - calling himself commander Abdullah Mehsud - made his threat if the government does not meet his demands Monday.

/// MEHSUD ACT ///

"I will kill one of them."

/// END ACT ///

Members of the government-sponsored negotiating team say the kidnappers are wearing masks and have explosives strapped to their bodies.

Abdullah Mehsud says if there is an attack or rescue attempt his men will blow up themselves and their Chinese hostages.

The militant commander is a former inmate of the U.S. military prison at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba, where suspected terrorists are being held and questioned. (SIGNED)

NEB/HK/AG/JJ/BK/RAE