KEY POINTS:
New Zealand authorities have finally made contact with New Zealander Mark Taylor, almost two weeks after his capture in Pakistan.
Mr Taylor, 35, was detained by Pakistani security forces on February 11 after trying to enter a tribal region on the Afghan border, identified as a Taleban and al Qaeda stronghold, without permission.
A spokesman for Foreign Minister Murray McCully, said today that New Zealand's honorary consul in Pakistan had made contact with Mr Taylor.
"He seemed to be in good spirits. He said he was being well-treated by authorities," he said.
"We've informed his family of the conversation and we will continue to monitor the situation.
"We're still waiting for confirmation as to whether he's going to face any charges or not."
Pakistani intelligence sources have said they suspect he might have links with Islamist militants.
Mr Taylor, who was wearing traditional Pakistan dress, told authorities he was going to South Waziristan to get married to a tribal woman.
The Government was not, at this stage, looking at sending more senior diplomats to Pakistan, but New Zealand's nearest embassy, in Tehran, was involved in negotiations, a spokesman said yesterday.
Pakistani authorities had reassured the New Zealand Government "on several occasions" that Mr Taylor was being well looked after and was fine.
Mr Taylor's family has said it does not want to make any public comment about his detention.
- NZPA
