Britain's Foreign Office confirmed today that Afghanistan's Taliban regime had promised to soon release journalist Ms Yvonne Ridley, arrested September 28 after crossing illegally into Afghanistan.
"Our high commissioner in Islamabad has spoken to the Taliban representative in Islamabad this afternoon, who said that Kabul has confirmed that she will be released," a Foreign Office spokeswoman said.
"But we haven't got any timing yet," on when the journalist would be released, she added.
The Afghan Islamic Press (AIP) - based in Pakistan and linked to the Taliban regime - reported earlier Saturday the regime's ambassador to Pakistan had announced Ms Ridley's release.
Her newspaper the Sunday Expresssaid it hoped she would be released within the next 24 hours.
"We understand that she is free to go and the exact details of her release are still being worked out. We do understand that she will be free within the next day or two, she'll be out of Afghanistan," Mr Ian Monk, Sunday Expressspokesman said.
He said the information had come from Sunday Expressrepresentatives in the region and Britain's Foreign Office.
The AIP report said Ms Ridley (43) would be freed "either today or tomorrow," quoting Taliban ambassador to Pakistan Mr Abdul Salam Zaeef.
"Taliban leader (Mullah Mohammad Omar) issued the order following the British government's request for her release," Mr Zaeef said.
The announcement came after British Prime Minister Mr Tony Blair visited Pakistan in an effort to shore up international efforts to fight terrorism.
AFP