American Held in North Korea Returns Home

SEATTLE (Reuter) - Carl Hunziker, the American who was detained in North Korea for three months on espionage charges, returned home Wednesday telling reporters it felt great to be back in the United States.

Hunziker, who was released Tuesday, arrived at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on an American Airlines flight from Tokyo.

In a brief meeting with reporters, Hunziker, 26, said he was treated fairly by the North Koreans and was looking forward to spending the Thanksgiving Day holiday with his family.

He said being back in the United States "feels great."

In Washington a brief White House statement said "the president warmly welcomes the release."

"We have repeatedly urged the government of North Korea to release Mr. Hunziker and are pleased he will be home and reunited with his family in time for Thanksgiving," it added.

The American's release was obtained by Rep. Bill Richardson, a New Mexico Democrat and Clinton confidant whose "indispensable and ... tireless efforts under difficult circumstances" won White House praise.

Hunziker was arrested in North Korea Aug. 24 near the Chinese border and held on charges of espionage and illegal entry into North Korea.

His family said he was not a spy, but a missionary who probably crossed the border to try to convert North Koreans.

• Released American to be Home for Thanksgiving - Wed Nov 27 2:52 pm