ABC News: Ling and Lee Could Return Home With Clinton
Journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee, who have been jailed in North Korea since March, could be on their way home as early as the evening of Aug. 4.
ABC News’ Martha Raddatz is reporting that the journalists may leave North Korea with former President Bill Clinton, who arrived in the country early on Aug. 4 to negotiate their release.
Raddatz quoted a government source with knowledge of Clinton’s mission. The source said the women could fly home on Clinton’s plane.
The former president apparently had a very emotional meeting with Ling and Lee, who were sentenced in June to 12 years of hard labor. They were producing a report about North Korean refugees fleeing to China when they wandered over the China/North Korean border. They were quickly picked up by a military patrol.
Clinton also met with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il. The state-run Korean Central News Agency reported that Clinton “courteously” delivered a verbal message from President Obama. But White House press secretary Robert Gibbs denied that and continued to stress that Clinton’s mission was a “private” one.
Clinton’s former vice president, Al Gore, is a co-founder of Current TV. In June, reports surfaced that Gore would travel to North Korea on a mission to negotiate the release of the journalists. He never made the trip. Clinton’s mission was kept secret by the North Korean and U.S. governments until the former president was en route to North Korea.
TJ commented:
Thanks Hillary-for staying with him,and for all the work that you, as key Americans accomplish together. We still need all you got--Why do these young people think it's all a picnic out there? Where's the rule--"I'm a journalist & I will expose you, so let me go now" play into their thought processes? Thanks again for the great diplomacy!
MiMi commented:
I am so thankful for this answer to prayer... These two woman have been on my heart so much for their release.. I cannot imagine what they have been through! They probably hung on to every hope of their release.. but it didn't have to happen this way.. Praise goes to God not Bill Clinton!! Glad he was willing to go and DO something!!!
thebigd commented:
This was all planned before Clinton left the U.S.--Surely you people can see through this. They willk probably show their thanks by getting on their knees. You are pretty closed minded if you think God had something to do with this.
Happy American commented:
Thank you former President Clinton! You answered their prayers...you are their angel. May your hard work bring them home soon. You've restored their life in just one day. A day does make a difference. We all can make a difference in this world...we just need to voice it and change will come! Thank you and God Bless You!
spartan commented:
Ling and Lee "wandered" across the China/North Korea border (by mistake) and then were picked up by a border patrol? You've got to be kidding. Two years before, Ling's sister (Lisa Ling) filmed a documentary (I think it was done secretly) in N. Korea which made the participants and the country of N. Korea look like raving, brain washed buffoons. I don't doubt for a second that Ling and Lee were going to ty the same thing but weren't as lucky as Lisa. The last person who should not have been within a million miles of N. Korea was Ling. Trust me, there's more to this story than what the major networks are reporting.
Connie commented:
Thank God For Bill Clinton We need him in there fighting for the tax payers now he gets the job DONE!
Kathleen sullivan commented:
I am very thankful that the leader of North Korea was open to the suggestions of former President Clinton. Thank you so much.
nikki commented:
I am overjoyed to hear such wonderful news! Way to go Clinton! Finally, some good news to report about. What a GREAT homecoming this will be.
RUSPARKY2 commented:
Wow, way to go Clinton. Gore? what happened, are you all about the hype and then don't follow thru. Do you have any idea of what these women were facing?? It wasn't about at-a-boys for you, it was about saving their lives! Thanx Clinton for taking action where you could!
Barbara commented:
Who says good old diplomacy and communication does not work
Maureen commented:
I am so happy for Ling and Lee, I feel so close to them since the news break, I am very happy for their families, especially the kids. Bill Clinton may God keep on blessing you.
VAlerie commented:
Job well done!So happy for the families and thenk you to the Clinton familly!!
Al commented:
This is just wonderful news and an answer to many many prayers. Yes, I think that Bill Clinton did a great service to our country and to their families.
mary commented:
I always believed that these two young women would go free. I am so happy for them, so I know the families must be in 7th heaven.
Diana commented:
Thank you, Lord, for answering my prayers for release of these young women.
Doreen A commented:
Congratulations to you both!! I am so HAPPY that you and your families are out of there!!Best of luck to the both of you and God Bless Former President Clinton for his caring too!!
Tina commented:
Good Old Clinton. That is why he should run for president again. He will have my vote.
Kensam commented:
Great news! We have prayed for their release and it is now true. Hopefully, we can move on to even more positive talks with the North Koreans.
D.Baker commented:
Way to go former President! Now that is getting something done!
Deborah commented:
Clinton has finally redeemed himself!
Carole from Massachusetts commented:
God Bless the Clintons.....THey DID IT! What a coup!! Now this family can come together again.
Wonderful ending..Wonderful!
Doreen commented:
You both and your families have been in my prayers since the beginning. I am SO grateful to Gid that you will be coming home!!
Fran commented:
What glorious news this is. Can't wait to see them in their recovered freedom photos.
Lucy commented:
Thank GOD for President Clinton!!!
Lora commented:
Go Clinton! I am glad he could do what others could not.
jvcherokee50 commented:
Thank God! I'm so very happy for the girls and their families. What a happy homecoming for all and may God bless them and heal their bodies and minds from all this trauma.
Thanks Bill
Sandra commented:
I am so thankful and encouraged to hear this wonderful news! We have been praying for these women and their families since the news aired of their capture. God is Mighty to save and He answers our prayers!!
Robert commented:
Our prayers have been answered!!! Congradulations to both families for staying strong and seeing this to a positive outcome.