U.S. officials have announced today that the two Americans imprisoned in North Korea, Kenneth Bae and Bakersfield resident Matthew Todd Miller, have been released and are returning home.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesperson
For Immediate Release
STATEMENT BY JEN PSAKI, SPOKESPERSON
November 8, 2014
Release of Kenneth Bae and Matthew Todd Miller
The Department of State welcomes the release of U.S. citizens Kenneth Bae and Matthew Todd Miller from the DPRK, where they have been held for two years and seven months, respectively. The safety and welfare of U.S. citizens abroad is the Department of State’s highest priority, and the United States has long called on DPRK authorities to release these individuals on humanitarian grounds. We join their families and friends in welcoming them home.
We are grateful to Director of National Intelligence Clapper, who engaged on behalf of the United States in discussions with DPRK authorities about the release of two citizens.
We also want to thank our international partners, especially our Protecting Power, the Government of Sweden, for their tireless efforts to help secure the freedom of Mr. Bae and Mr. Miller.
The Department of State reiterates our strong recommendation against all travel by U.S. citizens to the DPRK.
We are grateful to Director of National Intelligence Clapper, who engaged on behalf of the United States in discussions with DPRK authorities about the release of two citizens.
We also want to thank our international partners, especially our Protecting Power, the Government of Sweden, for their tireless efforts to help secure the freedom of Mr. Bae and Mr. Miller.
The Department of State reiterates our strong recommendation against all travel by U.S. citizens to the DPRK.