ROK president urges for release of S Korean hostages in Afghanistan

Source: Xinhuanet | 07-23-2007 09:44

South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun speaks to the nation during a news conference for kidnapped South Koreans in Afghanistan at the Presidental Blue House in Seoul July 21, 2007. Taliban insurgents have kidnapped 23 Korean Christians from a bus in Afghanistan, officials said on Friday, the biggest group of foreigners seized so far in the militant campaign to oust the government and its Western backers. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

SEOUL, July 21 (Xinhua) -- South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun appealed Saturday that the kidnapped South Koreans should be released safely as soon as possible.

The South Korean government prepares to take all efforts for a nearly release of the hostages, Roh said in a live broadcast briefing with local TV stations.

South Korean citizens maintain friendship with Afghan people with mutual respect and cooperation, Roh said, stressing that the kidnapees are medical volunteers operating in Afghanistan.

South Korea will closely work with the Afghan government, the United Nations and other parties for an early release of the hostages, he said.

South Korean Foreign Minister Song Min-soon said earlier Saturday that a total of 23 South Koreans were abducted by Afghan militants Thursday afternoon 150 km southwest of the capital city of Kabul. He said the South Korean troops will be pulled out from Afghanistan by the end of this year as scheduled.

It is reported that the kidnappers threatened to kill the hostages if South Korea doesn't withdraw its troops in Afghanistan.

Editor:Du Xiaodan