By Xinhua
Seoul : South Korean official said here Monday that South Korea has never considered using military measures to resolve the kidnapping issue in Afghanistan.
The South Korean government is not considering any plans to use military measures, South Korea's Yonhap News Agency quoted an unnamed official as saying.
The South Korean government believes that peaceful dialogue and contact with the militants are necessary for the safe returning of the hostages, the official said.
The official said the contact with the kidnappers is still underway.
The Afghan government and some other friendly countries operating in Afghanistan keep close relations with South Korea and are providing necessary cooperation and giving advices to South Korea, the official said.
South Korea's Presidential Office said on the day that South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun's special envoy is expected to stay in Afghanistan for two or three more days to deal with the hostage issues.
The Afghan militants warned earlier that they will kill some hostages if no agreement were reached before 4:30 p.m. Seoul time (0730 GMT).
A total of 23 South Koreans were kidnapped in Afghanistan on July 19. One of the hostages, identified as Bae Hyung-kyu, 42, was shot dead by the kidnappers on July 25.