Journalists Laura Ling (second from left) and Euna Lee (fifth from left) met their families at Hangar 25 in Burbank after being released by North Korean authorities. Ling and Lee, of San Francisco-based Current TV, were arrested by North Korea in March for illegally entering the country on the Chinese border. Yesterday they were pardoned by President Kim Jong-Il after a meeting with former President Bill Clinton. Ling and Lee had been sentenced to 12 years in prison in June. (Photo by Ann Johansson / Getty Images)
by Mark Silva, updated at 10 am, 12:30 and 1: 30 pm EDT
President Barack Obama, "extraordinarily relieved'' by the return to the United States today of two jailed American journalists released by the government of North Korea, refrained from any public comment about relations between the two governments.
Obama commended former President Bill Clinton, who traveled to North Korea, and former Vice President Al Gore, who worked behind the scenes for the release of the two journalists who work for his news network.
"Not only is this White House obviously extraordinarily happy,'' Obama said in a brief statement on the South Lawn of the White House this morning, "but all Americans should be grateful to both President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore for their extraordinary work.''
The president addressed only the personal side of the saga, the reuniting of two young women with their families after landing in Burbank, Cal., today, averting any mention of the lingering disputes between the U.S. and North Korea over nuclear proliferation.
"We are very pleased with the outcome,'' Obama said, before departing for a day-trip to Indiana to tout his economic initiatives, "and I am very hopeful that the families are going to be able to get some good time together.''
The president spoke with the former president by telephone moments before Obama stepped out to the South Lawn to make brief remarks about the return of the two journalists.
The White House, noting that Clinton's trip was "a private mission'' using a private aircraft "not paid for by the government,'' also made it clear that the negotiations over the journalists held by the North Korean government are distinct from the ongoing dispute that the U.S. has with Pyonyang.
"We view these as different events,'' Robert Gibbs, the White House press secretary, told reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Indiana today.
"The best way to change our relationship with North Korea would be for the North Koreans to decide that it's time to live up to the responsibilities and the agreements that they themselves entered into,'' Gibbs added. "Our goal is a denuclearized Korean Peninsula. And the North Koreans can and should live up to those agreements.''
Journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee returned at dawn today, landing with Clinton at Bob Hope Airport in Burbank.
The White House spokesman maintained that Clinton had not carried any message from Obama to North Korea's leader."If there wasn't a message, there certainly couldn't have been an apology," Gibbs told reporters this morning.
Clinton, in a statement released by his office this morning, said: "I am very happy that after this long ordeal, Laura Ling and Euna Lee are now home and reunited with their loved ones.
"When their families, Vice President Gore and the White House asked that I undertake this humanitarian mission, I agreed,'' Clinton said. "I share a deep sense of relief with Laura and Euna and their families that they are safely home."
They also were greeted by Gore.
"It speaks well of our country that, when two unarmed citizens are in harm's way,'' so many people will work for their release, Gore said by their side this morning. "We say a word of thanks, deep thanks, as well.''
While the White House was careful to keep the episode separate from its dispute with North Korea over nuclear proliferation, some say Pyonyang has created an opening for renewed negotiations in its concession over the jailed journalists.
Clay Moltz, a Naval Postgraduate School professor of national security affairs in Monterrey, Cal., and author of a 2000 book,said today that: "The Clinton visit could be tantamount to hitting the "reset" button in U.S.-North Korean relations. But it's no guarantee.
"The Obama administration has not been pleased with (North Korea's) nuclear and missile activities in 2009 or its rejection of the Six-Party Talks,'' he noted. "The administration will want to be careful not to 'reward' bad behavior. That said, it seems clear that North Korea is reaching out to the United States - in its own peculiar way - and that this may provide an opening for productive diplomacy.''
Comments
Weirdly personalized "diplomacy" from NKniks:
Weapons tests on Memorial Day and 4th of July;
Release of kidnapped cub reporters on President's birthday.
Posted by: ornery | August 5, 2009 10:05 AM
Obama + Clintons = AWESOME!
Why didn't W. Bush go on this mission?
Posted by: Awesome | August 5, 2009 10:42 AM
Obama's "extraordinarily relieved" because the two young women got home before Bubba Bill Clinton could hit on 'em!
Posted by: Groucho | August 5, 2009 10:55 AM
I'm guessing no one figured it would be Bill Clinton who scores a major diplomatic coup for Obama and becomes the latest superstar of the administration.
http://www.political-buzz.com/
Posted by: matt | August 5, 2009 10:57 AM
Well, I was completely wrong about Obama not acknowledging Clinton's role! I'm thankful all worked out. Still think Obama has to clench his teeth to get the words out!
Posted by: Beth | August 5, 2009 11:07 AM
WASHINGTON — A pair of nuclear-powered Russian attack submarines has been patrolling off the eastern seaboard of the United States in recent days, a rare mission that has raised concerns inside the Pentagon and intelligence agencies about a more assertive stance by the Russian military.
_______________
But thank goodness Obama has improved his bowling score and Michelle has a new hair style and dress.
Did you see the worship banner at the White House yesterday in honor of the messiah's birthday?
Wake up, folks, before it's too late. It starts by getting Congress out of the hands of hard-left whacks Pelosi and Reid in 2010.
Posted by: Jacik | August 5, 2009 11:09 AM
Anyone else feel that this was "planned"? Something just feels too coincidental about this. Sure, happy they are home, and kudos to Bill Clinton - but this was WAY too easy. Hmm....any REAL journalists want to check this out?
Posted by: Rosie | August 5, 2009 11:24 AM
Obama = another victory
Posted by: Gus | August 5, 2009 11:28 AM
I'm sure this is seen as a failure by the Rush crowd. Safe return of our citizens and a thawing of diplomatic relations with one of the most oppressive regimes in the world. They'd much refer we talk tough and write another check to Haliburton.
Posted by: Seems Like Pees | August 5, 2009 11:59 AM
Thank you for noticing the trivial. It almost got by me. Do you think there's a conspiracy behind all of these weird happenings !!? Go read the Warren Commission Report. That should satisfy your over-active imagination.
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALIVE AND WHOLE. NOW.
Posted by: Don Fitzgerald, IL | August 5, 2009 12:03 PM
Well done former President Bill Clinton and should be our President Hillary Clinton. They show the world what real leadership looks like. Obama, watch and weep as you will never be their political equal. ?The Clintons are an amazing political team, unmatched, smart, skilled, brilliant. The DNC made an enormous mistake in betraying the Clintons for the unqualified Obama who is proving to be worse than Bush. Journalists need to stop crossing boarders that are forbidden, it not only puts their own lives at risk but our nation as well in trying to secure their safe release. Again, kudos to the Clintons, it was wonderful to see the sucessful reunion today!
Posted by: T | August 5, 2009 12:32 PM
Jacik,
We did wake up.......on November 4, 2008.
Posted by: Tim | August 5, 2009 12:43 PM
USMC HQ- New directive from: General James Conway, Commandant of the USMC- "All USMC recruiting offices shall only accept applications from young, beautiful Asian-American women. This will ensure that if there is another crisis, former President and Commander in Chief William Clinton will PERSONALLY go to rescue them. Unlike the time he left US Marines to die in Somalia."...USMC Washington D.C. 8_5_2009...end transmission.
Posted by: ChicagobamaTribune | August 5, 2009 1:00 PM
Bill Clinton who scores a major diplomatic coup for Obama, and I'm a big fan of happy endings!
Posted by: Mark | August 5, 2009 1:20 PM
These women are fortunate to have friends in high places. Has Al Gore taken out his checkbook and paid for their jaunt? Are we going to go to every country in the world and bargain with their leaders to get all of our citizens out of their jails? I think not.
I'm glad these women are home, but they are not heroes. They knowingly crossed into NK territory.
Posted by: mara | August 5, 2009 1:25 PM
I'm glad they are safe and sound but maybe next time they will think before entering another country illegally.
Posted by: DaveR | August 5, 2009 1:35 PM
According to news reports, this release had been in negotiation for a long time. I'd guess that Bill Clinton coming there and getting his picture taken with Kim Jong Il was a condition for the release. Clinton doesn't look too happy next to a grinning Kim in the picture. His trip was probably negotiated down from Barack Obama; Il probably wanted Barry but settled for Slick Willie.
Posted by: DaveB | August 5, 2009 1:49 PM
Our former USA President Bill Clinton is to be congratulated for doing his wife's appointed job, as Secretary of State. The release of North Korean prisoners to President Bill Clinton should not be a surprise to any scholars who studied President Bill Clinton's secret and dangerous relationship with both North Korea and Red China, who help finance President Bill Clinton's re-election in 1996. Red China became a major Super Power due to the military secrets which President Bill Clinton allegedly gave to the Red China Military Intelligence Leaders, in exchange for cash. Our current USA President Barrack Hussein Obama is an idiot who knows nothing about international politics, so thanks former USA President Bill Clinton, from preventing a possible dangerous and disatrous military invasion of North Korea.
Posted by: Black Panther | August 5, 2009 2:13 PM
Who sent these journalists to NK, Gore? If so, why would he put their lives in danger? Why didn't Gore go there himself to free them? What did Clinton promise to get the two released? After all, it was Clinton who sent the North Koreans two low-water nuclear reactors that led to their nuclear weaponry. No wonder Kim wanted him, since he made a sap out of Clinton the first time.
Posted by: Daryl | August 5, 2009 2:17 PM
The Russian subs patrolling 200 miles out (our territorial limit) is no big deal. They have been doing it since they have had ballistic subs and we do the same thing. I can also guarantee we have a couple Los Angeles class, fast attack subs trailing them as well.
Posted by: RobP | August 5, 2009 2:28 PM
Here I thought all the Obama hate was from the Palin/Limbaugh crowd but I forgot the Hillary crowd who still supports a divisive leader. Just because her husband is strong diplomatically does not mean she is Presidential material. In fact, Hillary was all gung ho on invading Iraq and supporting the former administration. Obviously she betrayed her constituents by not doing her due diligence on the issue.
Posted by: Walking To Maine | August 5, 2009 2:34 PM
Al Gore have better funded the flight, paid the ransom and everything else that occurred.
The American taxpayer should not have paid a penny.
Gore was their employer, he knew what was planned, he approved of what they were doing and is responsible for all costs and securing their freedom.
Al Gore is at fault.
Posted by: jon | August 5, 2009 2:35 PM
Mara,
They endangered themselves to try to get a story on the oppression of the N.Korean people. For that they deserved 12 years of hard labor? People often make sacrifices in the name of democracy--you are a very sad person, you and all of your ilk.
Posted by: republicans know meaness | August 5, 2009 3:24 PM
Wonder if the voters will ever know the deal under the table, if any?
Posted by: Inky | August 5, 2009 5:01 PM
Hey Stinky,
Pugs should know--Iran-Contra ring a bell?
Posted by: republicans know meaness | August 5, 2009 5:41 PM
"republicans know meanness," good point about the severity of the sentence. However, people such as those reporters should understand who they're dealing with. When we find people in the country illegally, we put them on a bus and ship them back to Mexico. Other civilized countries do the same sort of thing. North Korea, and recently Iran with those three hikers, charge them with spying, give them a show trial, and sentence them to hard labor. We shouldn't have to modify the foreign policy of the country to secure the freedom of a few of our citizens who foolishly tried to tug on Superman's cape, which, as Jim Croce told us, you don't do.
Posted by: DaveB | August 5, 2009 6:01 PM
Al Gore have better funded the flight, paid the ransom and everything else that occurred.
The American taxpayer should not have paid a penny.
Posted by: jon | August 5, 2009 2:35 PM
Don't worry Juan.......it was paid for by Bing...another "liberal". One penny won't be taken to help 2 Americans from a "great American" like you.
Posted by: bill r. | August 5, 2009 6:13 PM
Al Gore have better funded the flight, paid the ransom and everything else that occurred.
The American taxpayer should not have paid a penny.
Posted by: jon | August 5, 2009 2:35 PM
Don't worry Juan.......it was paid for by Bing...another "liberal". One penny won't be taken to help 2 Americans from a "great Americans" like you.
Posted by: bill r. | August 5, 2009 6:13 PM
Wonder if the voters will ever know the deal under the table, if any?
Posted by: Inky | August 5, 2009 5:01 PM
I often have the same thoughts.....will we ever know the real story behind the release of these 2 Americans or say.....if we will ever know if inteligence from Iraq was manipulated to start an illegal war.
Posted by: bill r. | August 5, 2009 7:17 PM
I wonder what the Iranians are thinking as they hold hostage three American hikers?
Rumor, and this is only a rumor, has it that when the two young ladies entered the plane, President Clinton asked them " Would either of you like to join the mile-high club?" Once again, just rumor
Posted by: Terry | August 5, 2009 9:37 PM
BillyR,
Good point. Was the intellgence manipulated to lead to Bill Clinton to the four day bombiong of Baghdad in Dec, 1998 over Wmds?
Posted by: Terry | August 5, 2009 10:49 PM
Would either of you like to join the mile-high club?" Once again, just rumor
Posted by: Terry | August 5, 2009 9:37 PM
Funny..I heard the plane was going to the appalachian trail....er.....South America!
Posted by: bill r. | August 5, 2009 10:54 PM
Clinton’s efforts certainly succeeded in breaking through the barrier behind which two Americans were unjustly held. The trip also represents a genuine diplomatic breakthrough. It shows that President Obama is willing to try new and creative diplomatic approaches. I recently discussed the broader significance of Clinton’s trip and what it may mean for the future of U.S. –North Korea relations. I hope you will visit my blog and share your thoughts on this use of “soft diplomacy": http://benjaminladner.wordpress.com/
Posted by: Ben Ladner | August 6, 2009 3:21 PM
Billy,
Good to see a loon with a sense of humor. Many loons in here are bitter.
If Sanford had been sent to retrieve the young ladies, I would have had a joke lined-up
Posted by: Terry | August 6, 2009 7:13 PM
President Bill Clinton did what President George W. Bush could never have done - used diplomacy to prevent an international incident from getting blown out of proportion.
Posted by: BC | August 7, 2009 2:16 PM