Woelfel Hopes Korea, Others Get the Message
Look for RTNDA Chairman Stacey Woelfel to clarify his remarks in reaction to the pardon and release of imprisoned journalists Euna Lee and Laura Ling.
In an e-mailed statement from RTNDA, Woelfel had been quoted as saying: “The prompt release of Laura Ling and Euna Lee sends a clear message that North Korea respects the basic right of journalists to investigate and report as they see fit.”
That appeared to be giving the regime a bit too much credit and raised some eyebrows at B&C central.
According to Woelfel, his meaning got a little garbled in that first pass. “What I was trying to say, and it didn’t get in there the way it was supposed to, is that I am hopeful that this will send a message that perhaps the North Korean government has recognized [that basic right] and perhaps other governments will recognize this.”
Stacey Woefel, RTNDA Chairman commented:
John, thanks for the phone call to clarify this. Here's the actual quote that didn't make the release you got (I think it's gone out in its correct form by now): "We are pleased that North Korean officials have recognized that journalists—including RTNDA members—covering important international issues are working for people across the globe and deserve the freedom to pursue their stories free of government interference. I have hope the release of Laura Ling and Euna Lee means the government of North Korea understands the basic right of journalists to investigate and report as they see fit."