South Korean Foreign Ministry spokesman Cho Hee-yong confirmed on August 29 that Taliban militants in Afghanistan released 12 South Korean hostages on that day. The day earlier, an agreement was reached between Taliban and South Korean government through negotiations that the remaining 19 hostages would be released in groups, on condition that South Korea withdraws from Afghanistan by the end of this year and stops doing missionary work in the nation. By now a favorable turn has finally appeared after a six-week ordeal, a great relief to the hostages, their families and those hoping for a proper solution of the matter.
The crisis broke out on July 19 when 23 South Koreans were suddenly kidnapped by Taliban militants in Afghanistan. South Korea and the international community condemned the action and asked Taliban to release the hostages immediately, while Taliban demanded South Korea to withdraw from Afghanistan and the Afghan government to release Taliban detainees.
After that, South Korea and Taliban discussed the matter in both direct and indirect ways, and the US, Afghan governments also involved. But the crisis intensified instead of being eased for some reason. Taliban set "deadlines" for seven times and even threatened to kill all hostages, and tension lasted until August 13, when two female hostages were released.
Negotiations between the two parties involved contributed to the favorable turn, for things might slide to the opposite end if approached with violence.
South Korea displayed enough patience during this maneuver, especially when facing "double standards". The US has been insisting on its anti-terror principle and opposed to exchange detainees for hostages. But before this, when Italians were kidnapped Washington acquiesced in the practice of "detainees for hostages".
The kidnapping and killing of hostages by Taliban deserve condemnation by all. Fortunately, it has agreed to release all hostages and dropped the request for an exchange. It is hoped that related parties can keep their efforts until all hostages are released and the crisis finally resolved.
By People's Daily Online
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