Families of Freed Journalists Grateful for their Release

Lisa Ling 'Devastated' by Sister's Sentencing
Copyright 2009 Frederick Brown / Getty Images
The families of formerly imprisoned journalists Euna Lee and Laura Ling are sharing their joy and relief over the news that the two women have left North Korea and are bound for Los Angeles.

"The families of Laura Ling and Euna Lee are overjoyed by the news of their pardon," their statement to "The Insider" reads. "We are so grateful to our government: President Obama, Secretary Clinton and the U.S. State Department for their dedication to and hard work on behalf of American citizens.

"We especially want to thank President Bill Clinton for taking on such an arduous mission and Vice President Al Gore for his tireless efforts to bring Laura and Euna home. We must also thank all the people who have supported our families through this ordeal, it has meant the world to us. We are counting the seconds to hold Laura and Euna in our arms."

Ling and Lee were pardoned and released earlier today, after former Clinton negotiated for their release.

Published 8/4/09 by the Insider

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