South Korea says it is taking every possible diplomatic measure to secure the release of a South Korean man held hostage by Iraqi militants who have threatened to behead him.
In a video released late Sunday, the militants vowed to kill 33-year old businessman Kim Sun-Il within 24 hours if South Korea does not end its cooperation in Iraq.
Despite the threat, South Korea says it will go ahead with plans to send 3,000 troops to Iraq in August. But, doctors with the South Korean military contingent already in Iraq have stopped treating Iraqis -- reportedly because of safety concerns.
U.S officials in Iraq pledged Monday to do everything possible to secure Mr. Kim's release.
Mr. Kim is seen in the video pleading for his life. The kidnappers say they belong to a group led by al-Qaida-linked terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi.
Information for this report is provided by AFP and Reuters.