Australia refused to consider any deal with Afghanistan...

Australia refused to consider any deal with Afghanistan to halt threats against the ruling Taliban in exchange for the release of eight foreign aid workers charged with promoting Christianity.
The Taliban Foreign Ministry said it would move to release two Australian, two American and four German detainees if the United States backed off from attacking the country.
Washington has demanded Afghanistan hand over Osama bin Laden, prime suspect in the September 11 hijack attacks on New York and Washington that killed more than 5,600 people.
Prime Minister John Howard rejected the Taliban's offer, saying Australia would continue its diplomatic efforts to secure the release of its citizens Peter Bunch and Diana Thomas, who are among the eight aid workers facing the death penalty in Kabul.