Former UN Ambassador Works to Bring Soldier Home Safely from North Korea
Racine, Wisconsin – Roughly five weeks after Travis King, a soldier from Racine, ran across the border into North Korea, former UN ambassador Bill Richardson is working tirelessly to help him make it back home safely. Richardson, who has facilitated the release of hostages and prisoners in other countries for decades, has now set his sights on helping King.
King, who had spent approximately two months in a South Korean prison, was supposed to return to the United States to face potential military discipline. Having served time on assault charges, he was expected to go straight to the airport upon release. King’s mother, Claudine Gates, who resides in Racine, expressed shock upon hearing the news, stating, “I can’t see Travis doing anything like that. I’m so proud of him. I just want him to come home, come back to America.”
Richardson revealed on CNN Friday afternoon that King’s family reached out to him for assistance in facilitating King’s safe return. “We’re going to try to bring him back,” Richardson stated. Acknowledging King’s troubled state, Richardson emphasized that despite his mistake of crossing the border, efforts should be made to bring him back as he is an American soldier and military man.
Despite attempts by the U.S. State Department to contact North Korea regarding King, no response has been received from the North Korean government. The only contact made by the North Koreans was to the United Nations, informing them of King’s presence. North Korean state media claimed that King fled to their country due to being “disillusioned” and to escape what he allegedly referred to as inhuman treatment in the United States Army. The State Department has yet to address these allegations made by North Korean state media.
The situation remains tense as efforts to secure King’s release continue. Richardson’s involvement brings hope to King’s family and supporters, who eagerly await news of his safe return. As the days pass, the urgency to bring this troubled soldier home only grows stronger. The United States government is encouraged to explore all possible avenues to ensure King’s return and provide the necessary support and guidance to help him reintegrate into society.
Original Story at www.wisn.com – 2023-08-26 01:09:00
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