A US Army sergeant accused of deserting nearly 40 years ago and who is now in hospital in Japan may appear before the US military for a plea bargain.
Mr Charles Robert Jenkins (64) arrived in Japan last month for medical care after being reunited with his Japanese wife, Ms Hiromi Soga, and their two daughters in Jakarta on July 9th.
The United States, which says he deserted to North Korea in 1965, wants him to face a court martial. It has held off seeking custody while he is in hospital, but weekend media reports said he was willing to voluntarily appear before the US military in Japan.
Ms Soga, who met Mr Jenkins in North Korea after he was allegedly abducted by Pyongyang agents more than 25 years ago, said today that this might take place soon.
"I have heard that this sort of exchange may take place in the not so distant future, but I don't know any details," she told reporters. 2It appears that my husband is thinking of many things, both good and bad," she added. "I am concerned about what may happen."
US officials said they were unaware of any imminent developments in the case.
US President George W. Bush is thought to be reluctant to give Mr Jenkins special treatment for fear of sending the wrong signal while US troops are fighting in Iraq, as well as making a move that might cost him support among veterans ahead of the November presidential election.
In addition to desertion, Jenkins has been charged with aiding the enemy, encouraging disloyalty and soliciting other service members to desert, according to the US military.
Washington says Jenkins slipped into North Korea during a border patrol in January 1965. He appeared in anti-US propaganda films and had not left North Korea until July.
His American relatives say there is no proof Jenkins deserted and insist he was kidnapped and brainwashed by North Korea.