Laura Ling And Euna Lee Pardoned And Headed To Los Angeles

Laura Ling, 32-year-old sister of Lisa Ling, and Euna Lee, 36, were pardoned and headed to Los Angeles from North Korea on the same day that former President Bill Clinton met with them and the country’s leader Kim Jong II.

In June the two journalists were accused of illegally entering the country and engaging in “hostile acts”, and were then sentenced to 12 years hard labor.

Relatives of the journalists said in a statement:

“We are counting the seconds to hold Laura and Euna in our arms.”

“The families of Laura Ling and Euna Lee are overjoyed by the news of their pardon.  We especially want to thank President Bill Clinton for taking on such an arduous mission and Vice President Al Gore for his tireless efforts to bring Laura and Euna home. We must also thank all the people who have supported our families through this ordeal, it has meant the world to us.”