UN chief hails US nationals' release in North Korea

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon has welcomed the release of two US nationals by North Korea, voicing his hope that "the positive momentum for improving relations among the concerned parties" will be built on.

Ban "appreciates the decision of the DPRK (North Korea) to release them" following the release last month of another American detainee Jeffrey Fowle, Xinhua quoted a statement issued here by Ban's spokesman as saying Saturday.

"The secretary-general is relieved that they are safely returning home and commends the work of international partners in helping to secure their release," the statement said.

"The secretary-general hopes that this positive momentum for improving relations among the concerned parties for peace and security on the Korean Peninsula and beyond will be built on," it added.

Earlier Saturday, the US confirmed and welcomed the release of the last two American detainees held by North Korea.

It said James Clapper, the director of National Intelligence who engaged in discussions with Pyongyang about the release of the two detainees, was accompanying them on their way home.

Bae, 42, and Miller, 24, had been held by North Korea for two years and seven months respectively. They were sentenced to separate hard labor of 15 years and six years by Pyongyang.