Mothers of Hostages Head to Dubai

Family members of the hostages in Afghanistan will head to Dubai to ask for their release.

On August 10, Cha Seong-min, a representative of the families of the hostages, announced that five representatives would go to Dubai on August 13 to ask for the release of the kidnapped and appeal to public opinion in Arab countries. The announcement came during a press conference for the family members.

Originally, they wanted to visit Pakistan and Afghanistan, but that request was denied by the Foreign Ministry for security issues. So they chose Dubai instead because Dubai is one of the countries where security and freedom of travel are both possible for Koreans.

Cha explained that the group will consist of mothers, since women, and in particular, mothers, may be more effective in pursuing the aims of the visit.

Family members will fly to Dubai aboard at 11:55 p.m. on August 13 and are scheduled to return to Korea on August 17.

starsky@donga.com