N. Korean leader reportedly pardons U.S. journalists

Source: CNN

North Korean President Kim Jong Il has pardoned and ordered the release of two U.S. journalists, state-run news agency KCNA said Wednesday.

The announcement came after former U.S. President Bill Clinton met with top North Korean officials in Pyongyang to appeal for the release of Laura Ling and Euna Lee, who had been arrested while reporting from the border between North Korea and China.

"Clinton expressed words of sincere apology to Kim Jong Il for the hostile acts committed by the two American journalists against the DPRK after illegally intruding into it," the news agency reported. "Clinton courteously conveyed to Kim Jong Il an earnest request of the U.S. government to leniently pardon them and send them back home from a humanitarian point of view.

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What a strange place North Korea is. There is absolutely no laws there at all. Looking at this from a neutral point of view, the two journalists are either guilty or not guilty right? How is it that they can be guilty and sentenced to 12 years in prison one minute and then because Bubba pays them a visit, they are now free! And that's all it took? Bill Clinton flys into the country, takes a few pictures and North Korea lets them go? I thought it would be much more difficult?

Two journalists = 1 photo-op :)


So strange. If I went and did something crazy, I'm not sure my Prime Minister could get me pardoned even though I live in his riding and I am his friend *wink wink wink*

As happy as I am that the journalists are free, this is not good precedence. Now North Korea can do anything they want (like arrest people) and the US will have make a deal each time!

So happens now? Does the US play nice to get a couple of journalists out and then go back to being tough? We'll see.

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All the jokes are coming out now, like:

When Bill Clinton wants to bring home two women at the same time, not even North Korea can stop him! :D