Clinton: Release Journalists On "Humanitarian Grounds"
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called on the North Korean government this afternoon to release journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee on "humanitarian grounds." Clinton suggested that the matter of their safety should be viewed "separate and apart" from the world community's other troubles with North Korea's move to build its nuclear arsenal.
"We continue to seek the release of the two journalists on humanitarian grounds," Clinton said during a televised press conference. "... We are pursuing every possible approach that we can consider in order to persuade the North Koreans to release them and send these young women home."
Clinton said she is concerned about the length of their sentences -- 12 years in a labor camp -- and "the fact that this trial was conducted totally in secret with no observers."
"Our thoughts are with these two young women and their families," Clinton said, adding that she has spoken with their relatives.
Clinton said the U.S. government is engaged in all possible ways and through all channels to seek their freedom. She asked that they be granted clemency and deported.
Some reports have indicated that an envoy could be sent to the region to negotiate their release. The young women were working for Current TV, a company co-founded by Al Gore, on a story about the trafficking of North Korean women.
Gore has been mentioned as one possibility, as has NM Gov. Bill Richardson (D), who the New York Times reports has traveled to North Korea twice before to intervene in somewhat similar situations.
(JENNIFER SKALKA)
I'd pick Richardson, I think he knows what he's doing a little bit more. Here's some of his comments along with other people's (interesting site) http://www.newsy.com/videos/12_years_hard_labor_for_u_s_journalists
I think it is safe to say whatever happens they won't be there for 12 years, we can only hope they make it home safely.
What seems to be the problem here? at least they where given a trial which is more than the US gives people they hold indefinitely without trial, no apologies here when the US holds itself accountable then they can speak out about other countries.