We have a sacred obligation that we have upheld since the founding of our Republic to do our utmost to bring back our men and women who were taken in battle. And we did that in this instance.

Rice noted that, in the 21st century, "some of our adversaries may not be traditional state actors," but that failing to negotiate the release of a prisoner of war based on that "would break faith with the American people and with the men and women who serve in uniform."

"Regardless of who may be holding an American prisoner of war, we must do our best to bring him or her back," Rice said.