Former US president Bill Clinton is en route to Los Angeles with the two journalists whose release he secured in North Korea.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-il granted clemency to US journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee following mediation by Mr Clinton. The two, who had been arrested near the North Korean-Chinese border, were sentenced to 12 years' hard labour for entering North Korea illegally and spreading libel.

US President Barack Obama emphasised that Bill Clinton's visit to North Korea was a private mission, but praised his fellow party member's "very fine work" and said he was profoundly thankful for the release of the two journalists.