President Roh Moo-hyun has expressed his grief and condolences over the killing of South Korean hostage, Kim Sun-il, by Islamic militants.

In a statement Wednesday morning, Roh expressed his sympathy to Kim's bereaved family members and the Korean people who were 'laden with deep sadness'.

Roh said terrorist attacks aimed at innocent civilians cannot be tolerated and that terrorism is a crime against humanity through which nothing can be achieved.

He stressed South Korea will resolutely crack down on acts of terrorism together with the international community.

Roh reiterated that South Korean troops are in Iraq solely for peaceful reconstruction efforts in the war-devastated nation, and NOT to fight Iraqis.