ID :
51623
Sat, 03/21/2009 - 15:37
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://www.oananews.org//node/51623
The shortlink copeid
U.S. negotiating to free American reporters detained in N. Korea: State Dept. By Hwang Doo-hyong
WASHINGTON, March 20 (Yonhap) -- The United States is still negotiating for the release of two American journalists held in North Korea, the State Department said Friday.
Spokesman Robert Wood, however, would not elaborate, citing the sensitivity of
the issue involving North Korea, with which the U.S. has no diplomatic ties amid
rancor over denuclearization talks and threats of a missile launch.
"What I can tell you is that we are working diplomatically to try to resolve this
issue," Wood said. "Secretary (of State Hillary) Clinton is engaged on this
matter right now. Our view, given the circumstances, is that the less we say
about this publicly, the better for those parties concerned. It's a sensitive
matter right now and I just for right now would like to leave it there."
Two reporters from Current TV, an American Internet outlet, were taken by North
Korean soldiers along the Tumen River on the Chinese border while filming the
North Korean side early this week.
Negotiations have been conducted through the Swedish embassy in Pyongyang, which
handles consular affairs involving American citizens as Washington does not have
diplomatic relations with Pyongyang.
Wood said Thursday that Washington was also talking to the Chinese to seek help
for the release of the journalists. China maintains the closest ties with the
reclusive regime as its staunchest communist ally and biggest benefactor.
"What I will say is that there is a lot of diplomacy going on," he said. "There
have been a number of contacts made. But the less said about this issue right
now, we think is best."
In an earlier detention of Americans by North Korea, then-U.S. congressman Bill
Richardson negotiated with North Korea for the release of Evan Hunziker, held for
three months on suspicion of spying after swimming in the Yalu River in 1996. In
1994, Richardson helped negotiate the release of a U.S. pilot whose military
chopper was shot down after straying into North Korea.
hdh@yna.co.kr
Spokesman Robert Wood, however, would not elaborate, citing the sensitivity of
the issue involving North Korea, with which the U.S. has no diplomatic ties amid
rancor over denuclearization talks and threats of a missile launch.
"What I can tell you is that we are working diplomatically to try to resolve this
issue," Wood said. "Secretary (of State Hillary) Clinton is engaged on this
matter right now. Our view, given the circumstances, is that the less we say
about this publicly, the better for those parties concerned. It's a sensitive
matter right now and I just for right now would like to leave it there."
Two reporters from Current TV, an American Internet outlet, were taken by North
Korean soldiers along the Tumen River on the Chinese border while filming the
North Korean side early this week.
Negotiations have been conducted through the Swedish embassy in Pyongyang, which
handles consular affairs involving American citizens as Washington does not have
diplomatic relations with Pyongyang.
Wood said Thursday that Washington was also talking to the Chinese to seek help
for the release of the journalists. China maintains the closest ties with the
reclusive regime as its staunchest communist ally and biggest benefactor.
"What I will say is that there is a lot of diplomacy going on," he said. "There
have been a number of contacts made. But the less said about this issue right
now, we think is best."
In an earlier detention of Americans by North Korea, then-U.S. congressman Bill
Richardson negotiated with North Korea for the release of Evan Hunziker, held for
three months on suspicion of spying after swimming in the Yalu River in 1996. In
1994, Richardson helped negotiate the release of a U.S. pilot whose military
chopper was shot down after straying into North Korea.
hdh@yna.co.kr
