taliban Release Relieves Family Members
By Bae Ji-sook
Staff Reporter
News that Taliban militants will release their remaining 19 Korean hostages brought relief Tuesday to family members who have been staying at a center in Bundang, Gyeonggi Province.
Other family members, who had gone home after learning that the new round of talks were expected to produce results, soon returned and shared their feelings with those at the center.
They tearfully rejoiced after the government announced the release of the hostages. Some called their friends and relatives to deliver the good news. Family members came out of the center shouting, ``All of them will be freed.''
The relieved families thanked everyone who had prayed and wished for the hostages' safe return. They also apologized to the public for making them worry for so long.
It has been 41 days since their loved ones, all members of the Saemmul Church in Bundang, were abducted. Since then, the families had set up an emergency center inside the church to jointly receive news of any progress. They also lobbied several Middle Eastern countries' embassies asking their help for the safe return of the hostages _ and released online videos urging the Taliban to release the captives.
The families said their biggest joy is yet to come. ``We are more than thrilled to learn that they are free, but I must tell you that we can't wait until all of them return safely,'' Cha Sung-min, a representative of the captives' families, said.
People in the street were also exhilarated by the news. ``I have been praying everyday for them. They were like my own sons and daughters. I am happy to hear the news,'' said Choi Sun-hee, a 55 year-old homemaker. ``It took so long. I hope they are okay,'' Bae Ji-eun, a 24-year-old student, said.
Government officials were also glad to hear that the negotiations have ended with a favorable result. An official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said, ``I can finally sleep well,'' referring to the fact that he had frequently worked late into the night.
Civic groups also welcomed the news. ``I am sorry for the two victims, but I am also happy for the others' safe return. I heard the government will withdraw troops from there, and I think that will bring peace not only to Korea but also to Afghanistan,'' a non-governmental organization member said.
However, some people noted that this is a time to re-evaluate missionary trips to countries where there is no guarantee of safety by the government. A spokesman of Citizens United for Better Society said people should take more care concerning their safety when traveling abroad.