U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says the United States may send a special envoy to North Korea for the release of the two American journalists on trial in the North.

Pyongyang put Laura Ling and Euna Lee on trial Thursday after arresting them for illegal entry and unspecified “hostile acts” on March 17th.

Speaking with reporters in Washington Friday after a meeting with Turkey’s Foreign Minister, Clinton said she has explored various approaches including sending special representatives strictly for the humanitarian mission.

The secretary added that she considers the trials to be a step toward the release and return of the two female journalists.