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(AP) - U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton
is calling for the release of an Iranian-American journalist being
held prisoner in Iran.

      Clinton was asked at a news conference Thursday what the U.S.
government was doing to secure the release of freelance
journalist Roxana Saberi, 31, who grew up in Fargo, N.D. She has reported for National Public
Radio and other media.


      Clinton said she was concerned about Saberi, and that the State
Department is working through Swiss authorities to request
information from Tehran. 


They are seeking information on Saberi's
well-being, whereabouts and what Clinton described as the charges
made in her confinement.


      Clinton said the only acceptable outcome was for Saberi's
release and return to her family in North Dakota. She said she
expects a response from the Iranians and she thanked the Swiss for
their help.


      Saberi's father, Reza, said in Fargo, N.D., that Clinton's
involvement is very good news. He said his lawyer is scheduled to
meet with Roxana on Saturday.


      "I am optimistic," Reza Saberi told The Associated Press.
"They say that it's typical for them (Iranians) to hold people in
prison for two or three months, interrogate them, and release
them."


      Reza, who was born in Iran, said his family has no choice but to
wait.


      "This case is just one of many, actually. We hope that this
movement will continue to help other journalists, not just our
daughter," he said.


      With the recent developments, he said, "I feel better now.
Especially I'm pleased with the overwhelming amount of publicity
and support that this issue has gathered all over the world."

Gallery

Iran confirms arrest of US journalist

News Cut: Is Saberi caught in the middle?

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton
is calling for the release of an Iranian-American journalist being
held prisoner in Iran.

Clinton calls for Fargo journalist's release

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