Representative Matsui Applauds Release of U.S. Journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

CONTACT: Mara Lee

(916) 498-5600/ (202) 302-3249

Representative Matsui Applauds Release of U.S. Journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee
Welcomes Them Home to California

Congresswoman Doris O. Matsui (CA-05) issued the following statement in response to news that Laura Ling, a native of the Sacramento-area, and Euna Lee, American journalists who were captured, imprisoned, and sentenced to twelve years of hard labor in North Korea while filming a documentary, were pardoned and later released today by North Korean leader Kim Jong Il:

"The pardoning and release of Laura Ling and Euna Lee is tremendous news for all of us in the Sacramento community who urged their release, for the millions who have done so across the world, and most importantly for Ms. Ling, Ms. Lee and their families. The Ling and Lee families will finally be able to welcome their loved ones home, and I join with them in expressing joy, relief, and gratitude. I extend my deep appreciation and congratulations to former President Bill Clinton, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and the Obama Administration for their work and unwavering commitment to release Ms. Ling and Ms. Lee from their North Korean prisons."

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