President Roh Moo-hyun has ordered related government ministries to exert their utmost efforts in safely bringing home Kim Sun-il, a South Korean worker in Iraq currently being held captive by a local insurgent group.

In a meeting among top presidential aides, Roh ordered all diplomatic efforts be mobilized to secure the release of the hostage in a prompt, but calm manner.

Calling the hostage taking a very unfortunate and shocking incident, the president order his Cabinet to actively explain to the Iraqi people that South Korean troops will not be engaged in hostile activities but rather be fully dedicated to rebuilding the nation.