Obama: Clinton's North Korea mission wasn't an olive branch

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Barack Obama praised Bill Clinton's mission to collect the two women, but emphasised that the trip was a private initiative.

He kept up the pressure on North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, saying relations could be improved if he abandoned his nuclear ambitions.

TV journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee had an emotional reunion with their families in Los Angeles after almost 140 days in captivity. They had been jailed for 12 years for illegally entering North Korea from China.

Mr Clinton secured their release in a meeting with Kim after the North Korean authorities let it be known they were willing to release the women.

Mr Obama said he was relieved they were freed but does not believe Mr Clinton's visit to Pyongyang will lead to a diplomatic breakthrough.

"We have said to the North Koreans that there's a path for improved relations and it involves them no longer developing nuclear weapons or engaging in provocative behaviour," he said.