Bae family encouraged by Obama comments

SEATTLE – Family members of an American missionary held more than a year in North Korea say they are encouraged by remarks from President Barack Obama.

Obama said in a speech Thursday at the National Prayer Breakfast that the United States will do everything in its power to secure the release of Kenneth Bae.

Bae’s family said in a statement they are grateful to have that commitment from Obama and hoped the remarks would spark further dialogue between the United States and North Korea.

Bae was arrested in November 2012 while leading a tour group and accused of crimes against the state before being sentenced to 15 years of hard labor. He was moved to a hospital last summer in poor health.