What Google’s Eric Schmidt and Former Governor Bill Richardson Will Achieve in North Korea
Former New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson (L) and Google Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt (R) arrive at an airport in Pyongyang, in this photo taken by Kyodo January 7, 2013. Former New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson and Google Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt began a controversial private mission to North Korea on Monday that may include an effort to secure the release of an imprisoned American, media reported. Mandatory Credit. REUTERS/Kyodo (North Korea – Tags: POLITICS BUSINESS TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR SALE FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS. THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. IT IS DISTRIBUTED, EXACTLY AS RECEIVED BY REUTERS, AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS. MANDATORY CREDIT. JAPAN OUT. NO COMMERCIAL OR EDITORIAL SALES IN JAPAN
The United States Department criticized the decision of Google’s Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt and Former New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson to travel to North Korea, just weeks after a controversial rocket launch took place in the reclusive nation.
But former ambassador Christopher Hill says there isn’t much harm that can come of the trip. Hill said while it’s clear to North Korean leaders that Bill Richardson is not a US envoy on an official mission, Richardson’s visit could help release an American citizen currently detained in Pyongyang.