President Bush Warns 'Time is Running Out'

Oct. 6 -- President Bush again warned Afghanistan's ruling Taliban that time is running out for turning over suspects in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in the United States, and that if the Taliban doesn't comply soon it will pay "a heavy price."

In his weekly radio address, Bush reiterated the position the U.S. has held since the attacks — that if the Taliban did not hand over Osama bin Laden and members of his al Queda network, they could expect U.S. retaliation.

"The Taliban has been given the opportunity to surrender all the terrorists in Afghanistan and to close down their camps and operations," Bush said.

"Forewarning has been given and time is running out," he said. "Either hand over Osama bin Laden, or pay a heavy price."

Taliban Moves on Detainee

Prior to Bush's radio address, Taliban spiritual leader, Mullah Mohammad Omar ordered the release of Yvonne Ridley. The British reporter was arrested last month for illegally entering Afghanistan. British authorities expect her release to be as soon as this weekend. Yvonne's mother, Joyce Ridley, spoke to reporters in Britain after receiving the good news.

"There seems to be a new political will in Afghanistan," she said. "The leaders are now listening to their people and to world opinion."

Taliban officials added that they would release eight foreign relief workers if the U.S. stopped issuing threats against Afghanistan. The eight aid workers — four Germans, two Americans and two Australians — were arrested in August and charged with trying to convert Muslims to Christianity. The White House flatly rejected the offer, stating that it was a time for Afghanistan's leaders to act and not negotiate.

Nevertheless, the father of Heather Mercer, one of the two Americans, said he's encouraged by the Taliban offer.

"This is the first time that I've heard the words 'release' and 'detainees' in the same sentence from the Taliban government," John Mercer said.

Humanitarian Aid

In his address, Bush said the U.S. would be sending over humanitarian aid and support for the Afghan people, suffering from low food supplies and desperate poverty.