(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) The State Department welcomes Saturday the release of US citizens Kenneth Bae and Matthew Todd Miller from North Korea, where they have been held for two years and seven months, respectively.
The safety and welfare of US citizens abroad is the State Department's highest priority, and the US has long called on North Korean authorities to release these individuals on humanitarian grounds, department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said in a statement.
"We are grateful to Director of National Intelligence (James) Clapper, who engaged on behalf of the United States in discussions with D.P.R.K. (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) authorities about the release of two citizens," Psaki said.
"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," she added.
The State Department "reiterates our strong recommendation against all travel by US citizens to the D.P.R.K.," she said.
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