An unknown Islamic group has announced that 7 PM Wednesday (local time) will be the deadline for the settlement of the kidnapped Italian aid worker.

A man introduced himself as Timor Shah told Kabul-based Tolo TV that if Afghan government doesn't meet their demands, they will "take some serious steps".

Four armed men kidnapped the Italian lady Clementina Cantoni who worked for CARE International in Kabul on Monday night. Later, an Islamic group announced responsible for the kidnapping.

Earlier, police said that the aid worker was in the custody of criminal gangs who linked her release with the releasing of their accomplices from police lockup.

The NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) has announced to support the Afghan government's effort in releasing the Italian lady, and has set up several checkpoints at Kabul's entry and exit points together with Afghan police to find the lady and the abductors.

(CRI.com May 19, 2005)