WASHINGTON
Two Americans who were detained in North Korea for allegedly conducting espionage have been released, U.S. authorities announced Saturday.
The release of Kenneth Bae and Matthew Miller come just one day before President Barack Obama travels to Asia for a three-country visit.
The president expressed his pleasure at the release during a speech at the nomination of Loretta Lynch for U.S. Attorney General to replace the outgoing Eric Holder.
"I think it’s a wonderful day for them and their families. And obviously, we’re very grateful for their safe return," Obama said.
The men’s release follows the late October release of Jeffrey Fowle, another U.S. citizen, who was detained in North Korea for nearly six months.
Miller was serving a six-year jail term on charges of espionage while Bae, a Korean-American missionary, was serving a 15-year sentence for alleged anti-government activities.
Fowle had been detained after leaving a Bible in a nightclub.
The U.S. Director of National Intelligence James Clapper accompanied Bae and Miller on their journey back to the U.S. and was praised by Obama for his efforts in securing their release.
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