Seoul (AsiaNews / Agencies) - This morning, Bill Clinton, former U.S. president, arrived in North Korea to negotiate the release of two American journalists - of Korean and Chinese origins – who were arrested by the communist regime in March last on charges of "serious crimes".   The surprise visit by Clinton was confirmed by the official Korean Central News Agency (Kcna). The former head of State was welcomed by vice-chairman of the People’s Assembly and the representative for talks on Pyongyang's nuclear program.

Last week North Korea had made clear that they are "ready" to the dialogue to reduce tension on the nuclear program, but only through direct talks with the United States, excluding an involvement in six part talks (with South Korea, Japan , China, Russia and the U.S.).   Kim Yong-hyun, a professor at Dongguk University in Seoul and an expert in North Korean issues, points out that Clinton's visit can serve for two purposes: to obtain the release of Euna Lee and Laura Ling - the two journalists accused of illegal entry and counter-revolutionary activities - and improve relations between Washington and Pyongyang. "I do not think it is only about the release of two women - he adds – but it will serve as a turning point in relations between the U.S. and North Korea."

In recent weeks, Hillary Clinton, former first lady and current U.S. Secretary of State, said that "everyone is very sorry" for the incident, calling on Pyongyang to grant amnesty to the two women, sentenced to 12 years forced labour.   During the Clinton presidency, the administration had built close relations with the North, including the visit of Secretary of State Madeleine Albright to Pyongyang in 2000. Bush, by contrast, had included North Korea in the countries belonging to the so-called "axis of evil" along with Iran and Iraq.   In the late afternoon today, Bill Clinton should meet with the North Korean leader Kim Jong-il. There has been no official comment from the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the visit of the former U.S. president. Complete press silence also from the U.S. Department of State.