Merrill Newman, 85, has been held captive in North Korea for 39 days after authorities arrested him during his visit. Newman is a U.S. Army veteran, and was a leader of a guerilla group targeting the communist government during the Korean War. The United States has been pleading with North Korea to release Newman, but it does not appear that the Korean government is ready to give in.
“One day is too long to be in captivity,” Secretary of State John Kerry said at a news conference in Brussels. “This has been too long in every case, and we will do everything we can and continue to. But these things are often best resolved in quiet diplomacy, under the radar screen, behind the scenes. And that is exactly what we have been pursuing. … And God willing, we will get that done sooner rather than later.”
Newman also gave remarks on a North Korean TV program, and said that he was sorry for previous actions against the Korean government. “I have been guilty of a long list of indelible crimes against DPRK government and Korean people…Please forgive me.” Newman said.
