French captives 'appear on video'

Canada's CBC network published still images from the video, which it said showed a female hostage pleading for her life in a whispered voice.

The two aid workers and three Afghan colleagues were seized in the Nimroz province nearly two weeks ago.

The French government has confirmed these are the missing people, the Canadian broadcaster said.

The images, which the channel calls "disturbing", show the woman saying she is a French aid worker who was kidnapped by the Taleban 10 days ago.

At one point, she pleads for her life. Another man, who identifies himself as Eric, appears on the video making a similar appeal.

The video also shows the three Afghan men blindfolded and shackled, according to news agency Associated Press.

The tape would be the first evidence that the two aid workers and the Afghan men they were with are still alive.

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http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6554801.stm