Post date: Jan 07, 2013 1:48:58 PM
Former New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson and Google Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt begin a private mission to North Korea, state news agency KCNA says, showing video of the arrival.
PYONGYANG, NORTH KOREA (JANUARY 7, 2013) (KCNA FOR REUTERS) - Former New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson and Google Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt arrived in Pyongyang Monday (January 7) on a controversial private mission to North Korea that includes an effort to secure the release of an imprisoned American.
A video filmed by the North's official media KCNA showed the U.S. visitors arriving at Pyongyang airport."We are going to meet officials from the North Korean government, business leaders. We are going to ask about the American who's been detained -- a humanitarian private visit," said Richardson upon his arrival.
"This is a private humanitarian visit. We are here as individual American citizens looking into the humanitarian issues. We are going to ask about the American detainee who is here. We are interested in economic and political situation. We are concerned about the missile launches. We are concerned about the importance of a dialog," he added.
The trip comes after North Korea carried out a long range rocket test last month and as the reclusive state continues work on its nuclear testing facilities according to satellite imagery, potentially paving the way for a third nuclear bomb test.
Richardson is seeking the release of Kenneth Bae, a Korean-American tour guide who was detained last year.
North Korea has used the detention of American citizens to secure high-profile visits from U.S. officials in the past.
Its most notable success was a visit from former President Bill Clinton in 2009 to secure the release of two American journalists.
The mission has been criticised by the White House due to the sensitivity of the timing. The United States does not have diplomatic relations with North Korea and the isolated and impoverished state remains technically at war with South Korea.