S. Korea asks Libya to do its best for hostage release

SEOUL, March 18 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's top diplomat requested Libya Monday to make every effort for the release of a South Korean national held hostage there.

Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha, during talks in Seoul with her counterpart, Mohamed Taha Siala, stressed that her government places a top priority on protecting the life and safety of its people, according to her ministry.

She asked Libyan authorities to "continue utmost efforts" for the safe return of the man at the earliest possible date, it added.

In response, the Libyan minister assured Kang that his administration will cooperate closely with South Korea to resolve the problem, which is a major concern for Libya as well.

The South Korean man and three Filipino engineers were kidnapped in an attack by armed insurgents on a water project site in the North African nation in July last year.

lcd@yna.co.kr
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