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Envoy Visits Jailed US Journalists in N. Korea

Diplomat granted access for first time since women received 12-year sentence

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 24, 2009 5:18 AM CDT

(Newser) – A diplomat has been allowed to visit Euna Lee and Laura Ling for the first time since North Korea sentenced the US journalists to 12 years' hard labor, CNN reports. The Swedish ambassador, acting on behalf of the US, met with the journalists in Pyongyang, according to the State Department. The ambassador is pressing the North Koreans for more information on the women, and "many different avenues" are being pursued in a bid to free them, said US officials.

Euna Lee and Laura Ling were sentenced to 12 years hard labor by a North Korean court earlier this month.
Euna Lee and Laura Ling were sentenced to 12 years hard labor by a North Korean court earlier this month.   (AP Photo/Yonhap, File)
South Korean protesters burn portraits of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il and son Kim Jong Un during a rally demanding the release of American journalists Euna Lee, seen in placards .
South Korean protesters burn portraits of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il and son Kim Jong Un during a rally demanding the release of American journalists Euna Lee, seen in placards .   (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon, File)
Lisa Ling breaks down while addressing people attending a vigil for her sister. Laura Ling, and Euna Lee.
Lisa Ling breaks down while addressing people attending a vigil for her sister. Laura Ling, and Euna Lee.   (AP Photo/David Zentz)
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