Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Kim Jong-Il Was 'Fully Engaged' During Clinton Visit

By Harry Kimball, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 14, 2009 3:04 PM CDT

(Newser) – Longtime Bill Clinton aide John Podesta, who accompanied the former president on his recent rescue mission to North Korea, says leader Kim Jong-Il was "fully engaged" during the visit, Reuters reports. “I would basically say that the discussions were pretty straightforward and he was fully engaged,” Podesta told reporters, though he declined to elaborate on Kim, who is thought to have suffered a stroke and may have pancreatic cancer.

[Images (2)]

[Quotes (1)]

Former US President Bill Clinton meets with North Korean leader Kim Jong Il in Pyonggyang. (AP Photo)

Center for American Progress Action Fund President & CEO John Podesta. (AP Photo)

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

It was quite emotional for both Laura Ling and Euna Lee but it was quite emotional for us as well. It was quite an amazing experience. - John Podesta, Center for American Progress

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

To report an error on this story, notify our editors.

More Newser Stories

North Korea Punishes 'Insincere' Mourners

Crocodile tears for Kim result in forced labor, source says

(NEWSER) - North Koreans whose mourning of their Dear Leader lacked enthusiasm have been sent to join the 200,000 of their countrymen already in labor camps, according to Daily NK . The South Korea-based website, citing sources in the North, says people who either skipped mourning sessions for Kim Jong Il or didn't seem sincere have been sentenced to at least six months of forced labor, as have people accused of criticizing the dynastic succession system. More»

Kim Jong Il's Body to Be Put on Display—Forever

Embalmed body to rest in Pyongyang mausoleum

(NEWSER) - It seems North Korea was able to dig up enough coins to pickle dear departed leader Kim Jong Il after all. The country announced today that Kim's embalmed body will go on permanent display in a Pyongyang mausoleum. His body had been shown under a glass coffin, but following his Dec. 28 state funeral, it was unclear what would happen next—though media reports claimed that the Russians entrusted with the upkeep of Vladimir Lenin's embalmed body were being flown to North Korea. More»

North Korea Open for Tourism Again

Journalists or South Koreans need not apply

(NEWSER) - Where should you take your next vacation? CNN's Business 360 blog notes that North Korea is accepting tourists again after a winter hiatus. As long as you are not South Korean or a journalist, you should be able to get in as part of a tour group. One agency out of Beijing offers a four-day trip for $1,600, which includes visas and all the guides, food, lodging, and transport you'll need. Just make sure you don't lose that tour group. More»

N. Korea to Free Prisoners for Kim Jong Il's Birthday

Likely another move to shore up support for Kim Jong Un

(NEWSER) - North Korea has announced a round of special pardons for some of its prisoners in honor of what would have been Kim Jong Il's 70th birthday next month, in what the Telegraph sees as an attempt to boost the popularity of Dear Leader's heir, Kim Jong Un. The announcement, made by the state-run Korean Central News Agency, didn't specify how many prisoners would be freed, or what sorts of crimes might be forgiven. More»

Now North Korea Lashes Out at Japan

New regime does not appear eager to improve relations

(NEWSER) - North Korea reprimanded Japan last night and today for what it sees as a failure to show respect for Kim Jong Il's death, the latest sign that a regime change in Pyongyang will not bring improved relations with rival countries. The state news agency last night admonished Japan for not allowing North Korean sympathizers to leave Japan for North Korea in order to offer their condolences, as well as for holding a security meeting upon hearing of Kim's death. The language was similar to that used in a warning issued to South Korea after Kim's death. More»

NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS

What is Newser?

Face it: there's too much news. At Newser, we choose the most thought-provoking and entertaining stories from hundreds of US and international sources and reduce them to a headline, picture, and two paragraphs. And we do it 24/7—you can come back morning, noon, night (and in between) for something new that matters. Read less, know more.

Learn more »

Partnering with: Slate

View Newser on the mobile website