N. Korea to try American journalists for illegal entry, hostile acts: KCNA

SEOUL, March 31 (Yonhap) -- North Korea said Tuesday that it will soon put to trial two American journalists detained on a border with China earlier this month for illegal entry and hostile acts.

"The illegal entry of U.S. reporters into the DPRK and their suspected hostile
acts have been confirmed by evidence and their statements, according to the
results of intermediary investigation conducted by a competent organ of the
DPRK," the North's official Korean Central News Agency said in a dispatch from
Pyongyang. DPRK stands for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, North
Korea's official name.
The dispatch also said, "The organ is carrying on its investigation and, at the
same time, making a preparation for indicting them at a trial on the basis of the
already confirmed suspicions."
It added, "While the investigation is under way, consular contact is allowed and
the treatment of U.S. reporters, etc., are given according to the relevant
international laws."
hdh@yna.co.kr
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