Two American journalists released by DPRK return home

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- The two female American journalists who had been freed earlier by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) returned to the United States on Wednesday.

Laura Ling (R, Back) and Euna Lee (1st L), two freed U.S. journalists, are embraced by their family members after arrive at the airport in Burbank, California,  August 5, 2009. (Xinhua/Qi Heng)

Laura Ling and Euna Lee arrived at Bob Hope Airport in Burbank near Los Angeles, escorted by former U.S. president Bill Clinton, who secured their release in a 20-hour visit to Pyongyang.

The two journalists returned home amid tears, hugs and expressions of relief that the "nightmare of our lives" was finally over.

Anxiously awaiting them were their families and the founder of the media venture that employs them, former U.S. vice-president Al Gore.

The two women emerged only 25 minutes later from the privately-owned Boeing 737, which belongs to entertainment industry executive Steve Bing, a major contributor to Democratic Party causes and candidates.