A bit of hopeful news today out of one of the world's most secretive nations ―North Korea allowed one of three detained Americans to leave the country.The U.S. confirmed the release, but said little about how the negotiations proceeded.The State Department says it is focused on getting all of the Americans out.NPR's Michele Kelemen reports on that effort and the man who is on his way home.Jeffrey Fowle, a father of three from Ohio, was arrested earlier this year after leaving a bible at his hotel in North Korea.In a recent interview on CNN, he said he was desperate to get out.I've admitted my guilt to the government and have signed a statement to that effectand have also put in a request for forgiveness to the people and the government of the DPRK.Unlike other Americans held in the communist nation, the 56-year-old Fowle hadn't yet been convicted,but a State Department spokesperson wouldn't say if that was a factor in his release.Marie Harf said only that Pyongyang wanted the U.S. to move quickly.The DPRK authorities asked the United States government to transport him out of the country.And again, in this time frame, the Department of Defense was able to offer a plane.An Associated Press photographer took a picture of a U.S. government passenger-plane on the tarmac in Pyongyang, a rare sight.A Pentagon spokesman said a military crew flew from Hawaii to North Korea to pick up Jeffrey Fowle.The State Department's Harf says the man appears to be in good health.She welcomed his release.While this is a positive decision by the DPRK,we remain focused on the continued detention of Kenneth Bae and Matthew Miller
