WASHINGTON - North Korea has released two Americans who have been held in the country for extended periods, after a negotiation carried out in secret by the director of national intelligence, James R. Clapper Jr.
In a terse statement issued by Mr. Clapper's office, the Americans, Kenneth Bae and Matthew Todd Miller, were described as 'on their way home, accompanied by DNI Clapper.' It was an unusual role for Mr. Clapper, the nation's most senior intelligence official, whose job is to coordinate intelligence policy and operations among the nation's 16 intelligence agencies.
Mr. Bae, 46, has been held for two years on charges of operating with an evangelical organization, Youth with a Mission, and preaching against the North Korean government. North Korea said he had been planning a 'religious coup d'état' and he was sentenced to hard labor on a farm. Mr. Miller, 25, entered North Korea seven months ago and reportedly tore up his visa, and by some reports sought asylum. He was charged with unruly behavior.
The two releases are the latest evidence that Kim Jung-un, North Korea's unpredictable young leader, may be trying to make new approaches to the Obama administration. It was unclear from government statements whether Mr. Clapper, clearly sent as President Obama's personal emissary to bring about the release, had spoken directly with North Korean leaders.
Posted by Unknown on Saturday, November 8, 2014 - Rating: 4.5
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