N.M. governor will try to help reporter

[Judi Lynn]

Sept. 6, 2006, 3:07PM
N.M. governor will try to help reporter

By BARRY MASSEY Associated Press Writer
© 2006 The Associated Press

SANTA FE, N.M. — Gov. Bill Richardson, playing a familiar role as a diplomatic troubleshooter, plans to travel to Sudan on Thursday to try to secure the release of American journalist Paul Salopek.

Salopek, a Chicago Tribune reporter who has a home in Columbus, N.M., was arrested last month in the wartorn region of Darfur and charged with espionage, passing information illegally, writing "false news" and entering the African country without a visa.

The governor plans to meet with Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir and ask for the release of Salopek, his driver and interpreter.

Salopek's wife, Linda, will accompany Richardson on the trip to Khartoum, said Pahl Shipley, a spokesman for the governor. Salopek's wife and Chicago Tribune Editor in Chief Ann Marie Lipinski had asked for Richardson's help.
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http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/nation/4167602.html

[NMDemDist2]

1. Richardson's a good guy, best luck to them! n/t