Americans detained in North Korea call for US help
By ERIC TALMADGE, Associated Press
Sep 1, 2014 4:55 AM CDT

PYONGYANG, North Korea (AP) — North Korea has given foreign media access to three detained Americans who said they have been able to contact their families and — watched by officials as they spoke — called for Washington to send a representative to negotiate for their freedom.

The three all described their situations as urgent.

American tourists Jeffrey Fowle and Mathew Miller, expected to face trial within a month for alleged anti-state crimes, said they do not know what punishment they could face or what the specific charges against them are. Kenneth Bae, a tour guide and missionary serving a 15-year sentence, said his health has deteriorated at the labor camp where he works eight hours a day.

They spoke with The Associated Press at a conference center in Pyongyang.