In progress at UNHQ

SG/SM/12398

Secretary-General Welcomes Release of United States Journalists by Democratic People's Republic of Korea

5 August 2009
Secretary-GeneralSG/SM/12398
Department of Public Information • News and Media Division • New York

SECRETARY-GENERAL WELCOMES RELEASE OF UNITED STATES JOURNALISTS


BY DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF KOREA

 


The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:


The Secretary-General welcomes the release of the two American journalists during the visit to Pyongyang by former United States President Bill Clinton.  He appreciates the decision of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to release them as a humanitarian consideration, responding to the repeated calls by the international community.  The Secretary-General commends and congratulates former President Clinton for his successful humanitarian mission.


Taking this opportunity, the Secretary-General reiterates his hope that dialogue will resume at the earliest possible time between the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and the parties concerned towards resolving outstanding concerns, including the nuclear issue.


* *** *

For information media • not an official record
For information media. Not an official record.