A top U.S. official says former U.S. President Bill Clinton did not apologize to North Korea for actions of two American reporters to win their release.

The official, who asked to remain unnamed, denied reports coming out from North Korea. He said that Clinton did not make an apology to Pyongyang and that the North agreed to release the two journalists prior to Clinton's visit.

The official said Clinton's visit was requested by the detainees' families and former Vice President Al Gore.

The official added that the freed journalists are in good health.