President Trump has announced that the three American prisoners who were being held in North Korea have been released and are currently on their way back to the United States with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
After Landmark ‘Peace’ Meeting, What Does the Future Look Like for Christians in North Korea?
In a tweet this morning, Trump wrote: “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.” He added: “Also, good meeting with Kim Jong Un. Date & Place set.”
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
According to the Washington Post, upon arriving in North Korea yesterday, Pompeo told North Korean officials that their country can “have all the opportunities your people so richly deserve,” so long as they stick to their newly agreed decision to denuclearize.
Secretary Pompeo and his “guests” will be landing at Andrews Air Force Base at 2:00 A.M. in the morning. I will be there to greet them. Very exciting!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 9, 2018
“For decades, we have been adversaries,” Pompeo told Kim Yong Chol, who was previously sanctioned by the US for his involvement in the North Korean nuclear program. “Now we are hopeful that we can work together to resolve this conflict, take away threats to the world and make your country have all the opportunities your people so richly deserve.” Pompeo added: “There are many challenges along the way. But you have been a great partner in working to make sure our two leaders will have a summit that is successful.”
My statement on the release of three Americans from North Korea: pic.twitter.com/hqm9nI4Pdd
— Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) May 9, 2018
According to the New York Times, South Korea greatly welcomed the release, with Yoon Young-chan, a spokesman for President Moon Jae-in saying that it was “very positive for a successful North Korean-United States summit.”
Kim Dong-chul, Tony Kim and Kim Hak-song we all being held on charges of committing espionage against the North Korean state. Other reports indicate that all were actually imprisoned for sharing their Christian faith, which is still illegal in the oppressive communist nation.
“We certainly would see this as a sign of goodwill if North Korea were to release the three Americans ahead of discussions between President Trump and Kim Jong Un,” said Press Secretary Sarah Sanders prior to the release.
President Trump is set to meet with North Korean supreme leader Kim Jong-un – though the time, date and place has yet to be made public.