Shortly after North Korea's state news agency aired footage of American veteran Merrill Newman issuing an "apology" for killing troops and civilians during the Korean War, the United States called on North Korea to release the 85-year-old from detainment. The California native has been held in North Korea for more than 30 days, according to his family. Swedish embassy officials were allowed to visit Newman on Saturday, the first contact by Western officials since his arrest. "Given Mr. Newman's advanced age and health conditions, we urge the DPRK to release Mr. Newman so he may return home and reunite with his family," a State Department spokesperson said in a statement. The White House has also urged for Newman's release.
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