North Korean leader Kim Jong Il issued a "special pardon" freeing two jailed American journalists after talks with former U.S. President Bill Clinton, North Korea's official news agency announced Aug. 5.

Clinton, who arrived in North Korea on Aug. 4 on an unannounced visit, met with the reclusive and ailing Kim for talks described by Pyongyang as "exhaustive." It was Kim's first meeting with a prominent Western figure since his reported stroke nearly a year ago.

Laura Ling and Euna Lee, reporters for former Clinton Vice President Al Gore's Current TV media venture, were arrested March 17 near the China-North Korea border.