Journalists Euna Lee and Laura Ling have arrived home in the United States after being freed from prison in North Korea on Tuesday.

The two women, who have been reunited with their families in California, were granted clemency by North Korean leader Kim Jong-il. Former US president Bill Clinton, who negotiated with Kim Jong-il for their release, was also on the plane.

The two journalists were arrested in March near the border between North Korea and China. They were later found guilty of entering North Korea illegally and spreading libel. The US administration says it is very pleased that the women have arrived home safely.

photo: Journalists arrive in US (EPA)