Former United States President Bill Clinton was instrumental in freeing two U.S. journalists who were detained for almost 5 months in North Korea.  His recent visit to Pyongyang helped in the successful release of reporters Euna Lee, 36, a South Korean born US citizen and Laura Ling, 32, a California native.

The journalists were arrested near the North Korean-Chinese border in March while on a reporting trip for Current TV, a media outfit founded by former Vice President Al Gore.  Kim Jong II pardoned the women who were sentenced to 12 years of hard labor for entering the country illegally and supposedly engaging in “hostile acts”.

Clinton was reported to have apologized on behalf of the women and their grief-stricken families and relayed President Barack Obama’s gratitude.

Image Source: Associated Press

However, Secretary Clinton said at a news conference today in Nairobi that no apology was made to North Korea in connection with her husband’s mission to gain the reporters’ release.

2 weeks ago, North Korea insulted Hillary Clinton by calling her a “funny lady.” 

Tensions have been increasing between North Korea and the U.S. due to illicit nuclear-arms program of North Korea.  The heightened friction between the two was created by North Korea’s nuclear and missile tests.  Kim Jong II also seems to be belligerent in continuing negotiation talks.

Will the visit contribute to a deepening relationship between North Korea and the United States?  Will this event open renewed discussions to abandon nuclear weapons program or is it only delaying the foreseeable conflict between the two countries?

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