The Clinton’s continue to make tremendous Strides and I have nothing but the utmost respect for them. Thank you Bill Clinton!
Watch the Video: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/8184713.stm
BBC’s Story: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8184698.stm
Clinton, 2 journalists depart NKorea for US
Bill Clinton on a Mission to Free U.S. Journalists
AP – In this photo released by China’s Xinhua News Agency, the two female American journalists, far left, …
SEOUL, South Korea – His mission accomplished, former President Bill Clinton left Pyongyang early Wednesday accompanied by American journalists Euna Lee and Laura Ling after North Korean leader Kim Jong Il pardoned the women from their 12-year prison sentences.
Clinton and the two Californians were heading back to the U.S., his spokesman Matt McKenna said, less than 24 hours after the former U.S. leader landed in the North Korean capital on a private, humanitarian trip to secure their release.
The women, dressed in short-sleeved shirts and jeans, appeared healthy as they climbed the steps to the plane and shook hands with Clinton before getting into the jet, APTN footage in Pyongyang showed. McKenna said the flight was bound for Los Angeles, where the journalists will be reunited with their families.
The White House had no comment.
Their departure was a jubilant conclusion to a more than four-month ordeal for the women arrested near the North Korean-Chinese border in March and sentenced in June to 12 years of hard labor for illegal entry and engaging in “hostile acts.”
Clinton’s landmark trip to Pyongyang also resulted in rare talks with reclusive Kim Jong Il that state-run media described as “wide-ranging” and “exhaustive.” The meeting was Kim’s first with a prominent Western figure since reportedly suffering a stroke nearly a year ago.
North Korean media characterized the women’s release as proof of “humanitarian and peace-loving policy.” State media said Clinton apologized on behalf of the women and relayed President Barack Obama‘s gratitude. The report said the visit would “contribute to deepening the understanding” between North Korea and the United States.
Continue to Read: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/as_nkorea_journalists_held
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