SEOUL, Sept 2 (Reuters) - A plane carrying 19 South Koreans held hostage by the Taliban in Afghanistan for six weeks arrived in Seoul on Sunday.

A senior Taliban leader told Reuters the South Korean government had paid $20 million for the release of the Christian volunteers. South Korea's presidential Blue House denied making any payment but has already come under criticism for negotiating with the kidnappers.

Taliban insurgents kidnapped 23 South Koreans in mid-July. It killed two male hostages as initial negotiations stumbled and last month released two women captives.

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