By Kang Hyun-kyung
Staff Reporter
Presidential hopeful Chung Dong-young of the liberal camp asked U.S. President George W. Bush Thursday to seek an active role in resolving the Korean hostage crisis in Afghanistan.
In an open letter to the U.S. President, Chung said the hostage standoff cannot be resolved without the help of the U.S. government and asked the U.S. administration to seek flexibility in the case.
``Korea was requested by the U.S. to send troops to other countries to conduct peacekeeping missions and the country fulfilled. The reality that Korea is unable to keep its citizens safe, who were kidnapped by the Taliban militants, made me feel frustrated,'' the letter read.
Saying that he is aware that the U.S. government sent five female Iraqi prisoners to their homes to save the life of one female American journalist last year, Chung requested Washington to show some flexibility to help resolve the hostage crisis.
He said top priority should be placed on saving the lives of the captives and asked the U.S. President to exercise determination and leadership.
A close aide of Chung said his letter would be handed over to the U.S. Embassy in Seoul through a lawmaker of the Uri Party.
Party Chairman Chung Sye-kyun of the Uri Party also asked the U.S. and the international community to take a proactive position toward the hostage crisis so that these aid volunteers can be set free and return home safely.
Presidential hopefuls visited the families of the two victims who were killed by the Taliban militants.
Lee Myung-bak of the main opposition Grand National Party (GNP) visited the families of the victims and said he disagrees with possible military intervention because it could cost the lives of the remaining 21 hostages.
Lee said he has kept in touch with close Islamic leaders to help the hostage crisis see a breakthrough.
His rival Park Geun-hye of the GNP also visited the victim's families.