Former governor, Google exec to ask for Lynnwood man’s freedom in North Korea

A delegation of private U.S. citizens landed in North Korea Monday morning to try and free a Lynnwood man who has been jailed there for two months.

Kenneth Bae was arrested after entering North Korea as the leader of a guided tour in early November for what officials will only describe as “hostile acts.”

Diplomatic efforts to free him have so far gone nowhere.

Now, former New Mexico Governor and one-time ambassador to the United Nations, Bill Richardson is taking it on himself to get involved.

“I’ve spoken to the son of the detainee, he wants me to try and bring is father back,” Richardson said at a news conference.

Richardson said it would be a tall order and unlikely to happen on this trip. Based on past incidents where the release of U.S. citizens from North Korea came only after visits from high-level Americans such as former presidents Carter and Clinton, he thinks this could be a good first step.

The State Department doesn’t agree. Spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said Friday, “We don’t think the timing of the visit is helpful and they are well aware of our views.”

The trip is most definitely not considered official, said Nuland. “They are traveling in an unofficial capacity. They are not going to be accompanied by any U.S. officials, they are not carrying any messages from us.”

Traveling with Richardson is the Executive Chairman of Google, Eric Schmidt who is reportedly interested in economic issues in North Korea, as well as and the country’s public ban on accessing the Internet.

Richardson said Bae’s release is not the only reason for the trip. He also wants to bring up other issues dividing the U.S. from North Korea.

“I am concerned about the missile launches the North Koreans have moved forward with,” said Richardson. “We want them to restrain their nuclear weapons, and we’re going to make that case to them – but as private citizens.”