Aug. 27 - Philip J. Crowley, Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs, on Aug. 26 in Washington welcomed the release of Aijalon Mahli Gomes, stating, "We appreciate former President Carter's humanitarian effort and welcome North Korea's decision to grant Mr. Gomes special amnesty and allow him to return to the United States. We also want to express our gratitude to the Swedish Government for their tireless consular services and efforts on the U.S. Government's behalf in their role as our Protecting Power in North Korea." [Full statement]