KABUL: The Afghan government admitted on Tuesday to exchanging Taliban prisoners for an Italian hostage as the United Nations and United States led criticism of any negotiations with “terrorists”.

The exchange that freed Italian reporter Daniele Mastrogiacomo on Monday was “an exceptional measure” and would not be repeated, presidential spokesman Karim Rahimi told reporters as the criticism grew.

Mastrogiacomo was captured in the southern province of Helmand on March 4 with a translator and a driver. The Italian said the driver was beheaded in front of him. The translator was still being held, an official said.

Asked if he could confirm Taliban were exchanged for the Mastrogiacomo, Rahimi replied: “Yes.” He did not say how many.

“It was an exceptional measure taken because we value our relations and friendship with Italy,” he said. Italy has 2,000 troops in Afghanistan as part of a Nato-led force fighting the Taliban and its allies.

Taliban commander Mullah Dadullah said through an Afghan news agency on Monday he freed the Italian after receiving five Taliban prisoners, including a “culture officer,” a former spokesman and two commanders.

The United Nations welcomed Mastr1ogiacomo’s release. “However on the issue of negotiations, the UN does not negotiate with terrorists,” spokesman Adrian Edwards said.

“It is US policy not to make concessions to terrorists’ demands,” US embassy spokesman Joe Mellott said.—AFP