The Associated Press has posted a video of Google Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt visiting a computer lab in North Korea:
Schmidt’s and former New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson’s trip has been a controversial one, with the U.S. State Department indicating that it was not thrilled with the timing of the visit, in light of a recent missile launch by North Korea.
In a press briefing last week, State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland said, “With regard to the trip, we are obviously aware of the trip that has been announced for Google Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt and Governor Richardson. As you know, they are private citizens. They are traveling in an unofficial capacity. They are not going to be accompanied by any U.S. officials. They are not carrying any messages from us. Frankly, we don’t think the timing of this is particularly helpful, but they are private citizens and they are making their own decisions.”
She indicated that the two were well aware of the Department’s views, but they went anyway. During their trip, they are said to be reaching out to North Korean officials concerning a detained American citizen.