The U.S. government says that an American detained by North Korea since November is being well cared for and has been permitted to speak to his family by phone.
State Department spokesman Mark Toner said Wednesday Swedish diplomats have visited Eddie Jun six times since March and were continuing at U.S. request to ask for regular consular access.
Sweden looks after U.S. interests in the communist state.
Toner called for Jun's immediate release on humanitarian grounds so he can be reunited with his family.
Last month North Korea identified the American as Jun Young Su and said it was preparing to indict him for an unspecified crime. The U.S. says it has not been informed of charges.
South Korean media have reported Jun is accused of proselytizing.
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