The Afghan Taliban say they are ready to hand over a U.S. soldier held captive since 2009 in exchange for five of their senior operatives being held at the Guantanamo Bay prison.

U.S. Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl
U.S. Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl (US Army)
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A Taliban spokesman, who talked with The Associated Press by telephone, says U.S. Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl "is as far as I know in good condition."

Bergdahl disappeared in eastern Afghanistan on June 30, 2009.

The spokesman says "first has to be the release of detainees," and after that, the Taliban "want to build bridges of confidence."

The spokesman offered no details on Bergdahl's current whereabouts.

He spoke as the U.S. is scrambling to save talks with the Taliban after angry complaints from President Hamid Karzai.

(Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved)

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