Official Statements:

Statement of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia

Member States of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia strongly condemn the 19 July 2007 seizure by the Afghan Taliban Movement of 23 citizens of the Republic of Korea - civilians who had been providing educational and medical services to local population in the Qarabagh District of the Ghazni Province of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.  

Member States of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia are deeply grieved by the barbarian assassination of 26 July 2007 and 31 July 2007 of the innocent captives, pastor Bae Hyung-kyu and Mr. Shim Sung-min by the Talibanis and express sincere condolences to relatives of the victims.

Stemming from the aims of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia that pursue ensuring peace, security and stability in Asia through a dialogue, consultations and negotiations, we call for the immediate and unconditional release of all the remaining hostages. We urge all interested parties to exert all possible efforts in resolving this matter.   

Date of issue: 2007-08-01