Associated Press
CHICAGO — Jesse Jackson said Saturday he will not travel to Afghanistan to mediate its dispute with America, but will appeal for the handover of suspected terrorists and the release of aid workers being held there.
Jackson said he decided not to make the trip after a delegation from Pakistan could not persuade Afghan officials to release eight Christian aid workers from prison and turn over Osama bin Laden, the prime suspect in the Sept. 11 attacks.
Instead of making the trip, Jackson plans to send Afghan leaders a letter asking for the release of the aid workers. He will also ask that the Taliban turn over the terrorists so they can face an international court.
Jackson disputed reports that he initiated contact with Afghan leaders.
"I would not have known how to contact them," he said. "I couldn’t call 1-800-TALIBAN."
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