HARMAN APPLAUDS PARDON OF KOREAN-AMERICAN JOURNALISTS

Lawmaker says “Today’s breakthrough … speaks volumes about smart and persistent diplomacy”

Washington, D.C. -- Congresswoman Jane Harman (D-Venice) issued the following statement upon learning that Euna Lee and Laura Ling, the Current TV journalists imprisoned in North Korea, were pardoned.

“Two months ago Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg and I discussed efforts to bring Euna and Laura home.  He told me the State Department was ‘quietly’ making progress.  Today’s breakthrough is the end-result of those efforts and speaks volumes about smart and persistent diplomacy,” said Harman.

The 36th Congressional District includes a large Korean-American community.  On June 22, Harman held a vigil for Euna Lee and Laura Ling at the First Presbyterian Church in Torrance, CA.  She has regularly consulted with community leaders and Steinberg about the women’s well being and release.  

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