Release of 2 Korean hostages by Somali pirates likely

Somali pirates are expected to free two Korean hostages soon in the wake of progress in negotiations with Kenya over the Geummi 305, a Korean fishing vessel hijacked last year.

A Korean government source said Tuesday, “The Geummi case will be addressed soon.”

Another source said, “Kim Jong-gyu, who owns the Geummi and runs a vessel dealership in Mombasa, Kenya, is a Kenyan citizen,” adding, “Except for two Koreans and two Chinese, the 39 crewmen are all Kenyans.”

The implication was that the negotiating party is the Kenyan government and that progress has been made.

Korean Prime Minister Kim Hwang-sik told a Cabinet meeting Tuesday, “The Foreign Affairs and Trade Ministry and related ministries should consider all possible options to help release the crew members.”

Foreign Minister Kim Sung-hwan said in a news briefing, “The government is doing its best,” adding. “The negotiations aren’t over yet. Until the crew members are released, releasing details is difficult.”

The government is also discussing with the United Arab Emirates sending five Somali pirates captured in the rescue of the Samho Jewelry crew via Dubai to Korea under escort.

A source from the Korean Embassy in Oman said, “The Korean Embassy in the UAE deems it difficult to handle pirates in a third country and is trying to send them to Korea via Dubai.”

Minister Kim said, “The pirates who inflicted damage on Koreans should be punished in Korea. We are seriously considering bringing them to Korea.”

zeitung@donga.com ddr@donga.com