BAN WELCOMES RELEASE OF US JOURNALISTS FROM DPR KOREA

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today welcomed the release of two United States journalists by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) during the visit to Pyongyang by former US President Bill Clinton.

"He appreciates the decision of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to release them on humanitarian considerations, responding to the repeated calls by the international community," his spokesperson said in a statement.

Laura Ling and Euna Lee arrived in the US city of Los Angeles this morning with Mr. Clinton, after DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-il, granted them a special pardon.

The two women, who work for an Internet broadcaster, Current TV, had been found guilty of entering DPRK illegally in March and sentenced to 12 years' hard labour.

Mr. Ban congratulated former President Clinton for his "successful humanitarian mission."

In addition, he reiterated his hope that dialogue will resume at the earliest possible time between the DPRK and the parties concerned towards resolving outstanding concerns including the nuclear issue, according to the statement.
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BAN URGES SUPPORT FOR PRESS FREEDOMS, PROTECTION OF JOURNALISTS’ LEGAL RIGHTS

BAN URGES SUPPORT FOR PRESS FREEDOMS, PROTECTION OF JOURNALISTS' LEGAL RIGHTS
New York, May 7 2009 5:00PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called on Member States to uphold press freedoms and support the work of independent media.

<"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=3833">Speaking at a United Nations Headquarters event in observance of World Press Freedom Day, marked annually on 3 May, Mr. Ban said a free press contributed to democracy and stability.

"At a time of economic crisis and other serious threats, it is crucial to support a free and independent media so that people can better understand the events that shape their lives," Mr. Ban said.

Noting that 11 journalists have been killed this year and 125 are imprisoned, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, Mr. Ban urged governments to respect the legal rights of those detained.

"Journalists should be able to do their job free of intimidation and harassment. They should not have to self-censor themselves out of fear," Mr. Ban.

Also today, General Assembly President Miguel D'Escoto, in a message delivered by Deputy Chef de Cabinet Sofia Clark, called for the defence of press freedoms, saying it served as "the bedrock of modern societies and the life-blood for informed decision-making."
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