The Obama administration today played down any suggestion of a thaw in relations with North Korea despite the release of two American journalists.

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.

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