SEOUL, South Korea – North Korean leader Kim Jong Il has pardoned two jailed American journalists and ordered their release following an unannounced meeting with former President Bill Clinton, the North’s state media said early Wednesday.

The release of Laura Ling and Euna Lee was a sign of North Korea’s "humanitarian and peace-loving policy," the Korean Central News Agency reported.

Clinton, who arrived in North Korea Tuesday on a surprise visit, met with the reclusive and ailing Kim — the North Korean leader’s first meeting with a prominent Western figure since his reported stroke nearly a year ago.

N. Korea to free 2 U.S. journalists – North Korea- msnbc.com