UN communicating with North Korea over detained American soldier Travis King
An undated photo of US Army Private Travis King.
United Nations (UN) Command's deputy commander Lieutenant General Andrew Harrison said on Monday (July 24) that the command started conversations with North Korea over detained American soldier Private Travis King, who ran into the North last week across the Koreas’ heavily armed border. Lt Ge Harrison said the process started through communications lines set up at the Joint Security Area between the Koreas under the armistice agreement.
Harrison said the well-being of King remained the command's primary concern. The deputy commander added that he remained optimistic but pointed out that there was no way to know how the conversation with North Korea would proceed.
Harrison's remarks came two days after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that Washington had spoken to Pyongyang regarding the detention of King.
King, who was serving in South Korea, sprinted into North Korea on July 18 while on a tour of the Demilitarized Zone on the inter-Korean border.
North Korea ignoring US requests about King
)
The Royals enter the Doctor Who universe: King Charles and Queen Camilla beam into Commonwealth Games in TARDIS
)
Woman used AI to tell court what happened the night her ex-boyfriend 'raped' her. It was a bad idea
)
'First dumb AI': Meta AI blocks Indian PM Modi's video in his own country, allows abuse ads and deletes livelihoods without explanation
)
India avoids higher US tariff, secures lower 10% rate. Here's how
)
He predicted COVID-19 and 2008 economic crisis, was labeled fearmonger. Now he has another dire warning
)
Sadie Sink's leaked Spider-Man: Brand New Day clip fuels fresh Jean Grey speculation
)
RSS backed Jantar Mantar student protest? Mohan Bhagwat's 'question authority' remark resurfaces
)
ChatGPT invoked God, told pastor not to worry about his symptoms. Then pulmonary embolism hit
)
Rahul Gandhi slams BJP for felicitating Dharmendra Pradhan in Parliament, accuses Modi government of 'celebrating ruined futures'
)
'Islamic Republic will never make a deal with the US': Iran deputy speaker echoes Araghchi’s remark
)
NEET Protests riddled with misinformation? Delhi Police blocks 480 Pakistan-based handles spreading 'fake news' since Operation Sindoor
)
'Spreading deepfakes, deleted PM Modi's video': Why Meta AI should be banned in India for interfering in Indian economy and democracy
)
You are a 'Naked Official' in China if you hold high posts and have children or spouse abroad. What about India?
)
'Very unimpactful': Trump downplays Russian support for Iran, promises to 'ask Putin' about Zelensky's claims
)
Delhi Police issues BIG statement on viral 'don't leave national capital without permission' notice | FACT CHECK
)
Over 70% of Indian suicides abroad occur in Gulf countries, MEA data shows
)
Earthquake of magnitude 7.1 strikes Japan's Kumamoto prefecture, tsunami warning issued
)
Trump says Iranian school bombing photos could be AI-generated - 'I don’t think...'
)
China deploying advanced fighter jets closer to India's northern frontier
)
Who will benefit from Kapil Sibal's ₹1 crore legal aid fund for NEET protesters? This is what we know
)
Giant iceberg flips violently near Greenland exposing its underside - 'I didn't know they could do that'
)
Why did Meta remove PM Modi's Facebook video on paper leaks? Tech company blames 'technical error'
)
Asim Munir eyes defence deal with Qatar & Turkiye after Kuwait as Pakistan seeks investments | Gravitas
)
'Worst quality AI in market': Meta AI's moderation fail hits PM Modi and Indian Democracy
)
‘Kill Melania, Barron’: Why is IRGC-linked media outlet urging ‘freedom fighters’ to assassinate Trump’s family? WATCH
)
'Broader struggle for democracy...': Greta Thunberg joins Indian students protest in London - What she said
)
Russia-Ukraine War: Russia drops 3-tonne Glide bombs on Ukraine
)
NEET aspirant ends her life in Maharashtra after falling 11 marks short of cut-off
)
3,000 years ago, humanity spoke thousands of languages — then fell silent. Where did they all go?
)
Pakistan-occupied Kashmir election turns violent: 19 killed, protests intensify as rigging allegations fly
)
Tom Cruise's daughter Suri drops his surname; adopts Katie Holmes' middle name Noelle
)
Jennifer Lopez's ex-husband Ojani Noa claims he confronted Sean 'Diddy' Combs over alleged affair
Previously, American officials said that North Korea was ignoring their requests for information about him. And according to a report by the news agency Associated Press, analysts said that North Korea may wait weeks or even months to provide meaningful information about King to maximise leverage and add urgency to Washington's efforts to secure his release.
Some said that Pyongyang may try to wrest concessions from Washington, such as tying his release to the US cutting back its military activities with South Korea. There are also concerns that King might be used as a propaganda tool. The North Korean state media has remained silent about King.
The American soldier has already served detention in South Korea on charges of assault and damaging public property. He was due to fly back to his home base in Texas last week to face disciplinary action.
WATCH WION LIVE HERE
You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.