Former US president Jimmy Carter arrived in Pyongyang today as he seeks to win the release of an American national jailed for illegally entering isolated North Korea, China's Xinhua news agency reported.
Mr Carter (85) is seeking to persuade North Korea to free Aijalon Mahli Gomes, who was sentenced to eight years hard labour. Mr Carter is travelling as a private citizen, but his trip opens the possibility of some easing of tensions between Pyongyang and Washington.
The visit takes place amid heightened tensions on the peninsula after the torpedoing in March of a South Korean warship, which Seoul blames on the North and which prompted Washington to announce expanded sanctions against Pyongyang.
Mr Carter (85) and his wife flew in a private jet, Yonhap said, quoting a US diplomatic source.
Gomes (30) tried to commit suicide out of despair, the North's state media said last month.
Former president Bill Clinton made a similar humanitarian visit trip last year, winning the release of two journalists also jailed for illegally entering the North.
Mr Clinton's trip was followed by dialogue between Pyongyang and Washington marking an end to a series of provocations by the North and briefly easing tensions in the region.
South Korean media have reported the North wants Washington to send an envoy to discuss improving ties, including the resumption of stalled six-party nuclear disarmament talks.
Both Washington and Seoul have said Pyongyang must first admit responsibility for the sinking of the warship before they will consider returning to the talks.
Reuters