The US has criticised a decision by Google executive Chairman Eric Schmidt and former diplomat Bill Richardson to visit North Korea despite sanctions on the country. The pair claim it is a "private humanitarian visit."
Google's North Korea trip 'a private humanitarian visit'
Former US diplomat Bill Richardson told the CBS This Morning show:
The objective of the trip is a private humanitarian visit. We're not representing the US Government.
This is not a Google trip. He's (Google Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt) interested in foreign policy, he's a friend of mine, and I felt it was important that there be a broader perspective of our visit, with Eric going and some other members of our staff.
There's an American detainee in North Korea, Kenneth Bae. I heard from his son who wants to get him released
Google Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt is set to visit North Korea. Credit: PA Wire
The US has criticised a decision by Google Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt and former diplomat Bill Richardson to visit North Korea.
State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said: "Frankly, we don't think the timing of this is particularly helpful," citing North Korea's launch of a long-range rocket in December.
She said Schmidt and Richardson would be travelling as private citizens, not representatives of the US Government.
