North Korea releases two detained US citizens

The North Korean government has released two US nationals, Kenneth Bae (right) and Matthew Todd Miller, who are en route to the United States escorted by Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, his office said on Saturday.

US President Barack Obama said he was "grateful" for the release of the two Americans.

"I think it is a wonderful day for them and their families, and obviously we are very grateful for their safe return," he said, speaking on the sidelines of a White House ceremony.

The US State Department also hailed the release in a statement on Saturday.

"The Department of State welcomes the release of US citizens Kenneth Bae and Matthew Todd Miller from the DPRK (Democratic People's Republic of Korea), where they have been held for two years and seven months, respectively," it said.

The State Department also thanked Clapper for his active involvement in securing their release. “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,” it said.

Bae, a missionary, was arrested in North Korea in November 2012 and was sentenced to 15 years of hard labour for crimes against the state. Miller, who reportedly was tried on an espionage charge, had been in custody since April this year and was sentenced to six years of hard labour.

Detained American tourist Jeffrey Fowle was released by North Korea last month.

The State Department went on to thank Sweden and other international entities for their help in the matter.

“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.”

Sweden functions as a so-called protecting power for the United States, Australia and Canada – including performing consular responsibilities for their citizens – in North Korea in the absence of formal diplomatic relations with Pyongyang.

"The Department of State reiterates our strong recommendation against all travel by US citizens to the DPRK," the statement added.