9 May 2018
North Korea frees three US detainees ahead of Trump summit
By BBC
North Korea has freed three US citizens from prison, according to a tweet from US President Donald Trump.
It is viewed as a goodwill gesture ahead of a historic summit between Mr Trump and North Korea's Kim Jong-un.
Mr Trump said he would greet the men when they return with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who has been in Pyongyang to arrange the planned talks.
Kim Hak-song, Tony Kim and Kim Dong-chu were able to "walk on the plane without assistance", the White House said.
They had been jailed for anti-state activities and placed in labour camps.
Mr Trump announced the release of the men in a tweet on Wednesday.
Skip Twitter post by @realDonaldTrump
Donald J. Trump
@realDonaldTrump
I am pleased to inform you that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is in the air and on his way back from North Korea with the 3 wonderful gentlemen that everyone is looking so forward to meeting. They seem to be in good health. Also, good meeting with Kim Jong Un. Date & Place set.
End of Twitter post by @realDonaldTrump
"They seem to be in good health," he wrote, adding that a date and location had been set for talks after Mr Pompeo held a "good meeting" with Kim Jong-un.
Reporters travelling with Mr Pompeo said their meeting lasted about 90 minutes.
In his tweet, Mr Trump added that he will personally greet the detainees when they arrive at Andrews Air Force Base at 02:00 EDT (06:00GMT) on Thursday.
In later remarks, Mr Trump said that the location for the talks would be announced "within three days".
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