North Korea sends three Americans home ahead of Trump-Kim meeting
What's the story
Three Americans- Kim Dong-chul, Kim Hak-song, and Kim Sang-duk, held captive in North Korea reached the United States on Thursday with President Donald Trump appreciating the gesture of North's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un. Mike Pompeo, Secretary of State, secured the release of 'prisoners.' Trump met them at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland, and it was covered by over 200 media persons.
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Donald Trump, wife Melania welcomed the released hostages
#WATCH US President Donald Trump receives three US citizens freed by North Korea, at an airbase near Washington pic.twitter.com/v6J2pfnNd6
— ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2018
Details
North Korea held Americans hostage on espionage charges
The three Americans were held hostage on charges of espionage. The country is notorious for holding political prisoners and giving them harsh punishments. Kim Dong-chul was arrested in late 2015, and the other two in Spring last year. Many American officials had demanded their release. Notably, Trump administration had communicated to North Korea that the release would be seen as a goodwill gesture.
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God Bless America, says hostages on touchdown
"We would like to express our deep appreciation to the United States government, President Trump, Secretary Pompeo, and the people of the United States for bringing us home. We thank God. God Bless America, the greatest nation in the world," their joint-statement read
Details
Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un's much anticipated meeting
Mike Pompeo tweeted he had a productive meeting with Kim Jong-un at Pyongyang. Both sides have been laying groundwork ahead of Trump's meeting with the North Korean leader, which is likely to take place in Singapore next month. Trump appreciated Kim's gesture of returning hostages in 'good health'. He tweeted that the date and place of his meeting with Kim are set.
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This is what Trump tweeted
I am pleased to inform you that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is in the air and on his way back from North Korea with the 3 wonderful gentlemen that everyone is looking so forward to meeting. They seem to be in good health. Also, good meeting with Kim Jong Un. Date Place set.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 9, 2018