Donald Trump: North Korea has released three American prisoners

Donald Trump, the President of the United States, announced on Wednesday, May 8, via Twitter that North Korea has released three American prisoners who are returning home with Mike Pompeo, the Secretary of State. He also stated that he would go to Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland to welcome them. The White House spokesperson also said on Wednesday that the release of the three American prisoners by North Korea is a positive sign and based on goodwill. Sarah Huckabee Sanders said it appears that these prisoners 'are in good condition and were able to board the plane without assistance.' She added, 'All of America is eager for their return and to see their reunion with their families.' Mike Pompeo, after leaving Pyongyang during a brief stop in Japan, said he had long and detailed negotiations with Kim Jong-un, the leader of North Korea. He stated that detailed discussions regarding the meeting between the leaders of the U.S. and North Korea had taken place and more details would be announced in the coming days. The U.S. Secretary of State said that the three American prisoners in North Korea were released as a sign of goodwill and added, 'Despite the conditions they have faced, they are in good health.' Kim Dong-chul, Kim Hak-song, and Tony Kim, three American citizens, were imprisoned on charges of activities 'against the sovereignty of North Korea.' Tony Kim's family issued a statement thanking all those involved in his release and expressed hope that all prisoners in North Korea would be freed. While the U.S. is negotiating to achieve a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula, it has exited the nuclear agreement with Iran. Mr. Trump has stated since the beginning of the election that 'this is a very bad deal' and promised to end it. On Tuesday, he issued an order to withdraw the U.S. from this agreement and said he would reinstate nuclear sanctions against Iran.