Afghanistan's ruling Taliban have told western diplomats waiting for consular access to eight foreign aid workers accused of promoting Christianity that they will not extend their visas further, it has been reported.
Afghan Islamic Press (AIP) quoted Taliban Foreign Minister Wakil Ahmed Muttawakil as saying the Taliban had already told the western diplomats that as the detainees were being investigated, consular access would not be granted.
"They had talked to us ... and they had completed their mission, after that there is no need to give any extension in their visas", AIP quoted Mr Muttawakil as saying. The diplomats' visas to stay in Afghanistan expire on Tuesday.
The Taliban have denied consular access to four Germans, two Australians and two Americans from the German-based Christian relief agency Shelter Now International who were arrested two weeks ago along with 16 Afghan colleagues.
Western diplomats seeking access to eight foreign aid workers have sat out in the Afghan capital Kabul and said they will not leave as advised by the ruling Taliban.