Bill Clinton secures freedom of two U.S. journalists

August 4, 3:34 PMUS Headlines ExaminerCharisse Van Horn

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Breaking News: Bill Clinton's mission has been a success! North Korea pardons U.S. journalists. Kim Jong II orders release of Euna Lee and Laura Ling.  A statement by the Korean Central News Agency reads, "The release of Laura Ling and Euna Lee was a sign of North Korea's "humanitarian and peace loving policy."

A full statement has been released by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) it reads, "Clinton expressed words of sincere apology to Kim Jong II for the hostile acts committed by the two American journalists against the DPRK (North Korea) after illegally intruding into it.  Clinton courteously conveyed to Kim Jong II an earnest request of the U.S. government to leniently pardon them and send them back home from a humanitarian point of view."  Report from Democratic People's Republic of Korea on former U.S. president Bill Clinton's visit.

The White House made certain that it was clear that former president Clinton went to North Korea on a personal basis and not as a formal negotiator for the White House. Robert Gibbs was tight lipped regarding the trip today, and squelched speculation that President Obama would be sending a message to North Korea. Robert Gibbs also verified that a personal letter from President Obama was not given to Kim Jong II.

A statement was released from the families of Euna Lee and Laura Ling.  It reads, "

The families of Laura Ling and Euna Lee are overjoyed by the news of their pardon. We are so grateful to our government: President Obama, Secretary Clinton and the U.S. State Department for their dedication to and hard work on behalf of American citizens.

We especially want to thank president Bill Clinton for taking on such an arduous mission and Vice President Al Gore for his tireless efforts to bring Laura and Euna home. We must also thank all the people who have supported our families through this ordeal, it has meant the world to us. We are counting the seconds to hold Laura and Euna in our arms."

• Bill Clinton in North Korea to free U.S. Journalists
• Hillary Clinton works to free three Americans arrested in Iran