31 July 2007

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today spoke out against the recent killing of two South Korean nationals abducted in Afghanistan nearly two weeks ago, calling for the safe return of the remaining detainees, including several women.

“The Secretary-General deplores the killing of two of the hostages from the Republic of Korea held by the Taliban,” his spokesperson said in a statement.

Deeply concerned for the safety and welfare of those still being detained – 21 Korean hostages, as well as a German national and four Afghans – Mr. Ban notes that these hostages include “many young women who came to help the people of Afghanistan and they should not be made part of the conflict in that country.”

Mr. Ban “fully supports the Afghan authorities in their continuing efforts to ensure the safe return of all those being held against their will,” the spokesperson added.

 

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