The Taliban on Sunday released a video of two French journalists seized in Afghanistan as a NATO offensive against the insurgents entered its second day.
In the video the men could be seen sitting on the floor, pleading for their release and asking French President Nicolas Sarkozy to negotiate with their abductors.
The Journalists, who work for television broadcaster France 3, were seized on December 30 while on their way to a filming assignment some 120 kilometres north-east of Kabul, dpa reported.
The government on Sunday condemned the kidnapping of the pair, who have not been named.
"In this type of situation, out of regard for the families of our compatriots and in the interest of their security, discretion is required," the foreign ministry said.
"To target journalists carrying out their indispensable mission of information in Afghanistan is unacceptable," the ministry said.
NATO troops launched an offensive against the Taliban in the south of Afghanistan on Saturday.
On Sunday, the alliance said it had killed 27 insurgents as well as 12 civilians who were hit by missiles that veered off target.
Taliban releases video of captured French journalists
The Taliban on Sunday released a video of two French journalists seized in Afghanistan as a NATO offensive against the insurgents entered its second day.
