Washington, D.C. - Senator Dianne Feinstein today applauded news that North Korea will release California-based journalists Euna Lee and Laura Ling following a special diplomatic visit from former President Bill Clinton.

In June, Senator Feinstein signed a letter with Senator Boxer and other senators, asking President Barack Obama to dispatch a special envoy to North Korea in an attempt to secure the journalists' release. Senator Feinstein also spoke with Laura Ling's mother during her daughter's captivity.

Following is the statement of Senator Feinstein:

"I applaud North Korea's decision to release these two California journalists, Euna Lee and Laura Ling, and allow them to return home to their families. This has been an extremely difficult time for all involved, and I am grateful that this humanitarian gesture will allow them to begin a new chapter of their lives.

I extend my deepest thanks and appreciation to President Obama, Secretary of State Clinton and former President Bill Clinton for their quiet but persistent diplomacy, which made this day a reality."

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