posted on Jul, 8 2004 @ 12:59 AM
The Japanese government has arranged for a US Korean War Deserter who has lived in N. Korea for some 40 years to have a reunion with his Japanese wife
in Jakarta. The former soldier did not want to leave N. Korea to a country where he could be extradited back to the US to face charges.
story.news.yahoo.com
Koizumi raised the issue with President Bush last month and got sympathy but no concessions.
Secretary of State Colin Powell was also firm.
"The Japanese are approaching this as a humanitarian issue and we understand and accept that," he told reporters, but added: "Sgt. Jenkins is, of
course, a deserter from the U.S. Army and those charges remain outstanding."
Little is known about Jenkins' life in North Korea, or his motives for his 1965 defection from a unit near the Demilitarized Zone dividing the
peninsula. He is known to have taught English and played an American villain in government propaganda movies. Soga, whom he met when she was a student
in his English class, is 20 years his junior.
Please visit the link provided for the complete story.
Powell's stance seems a little harsh. I can understanding the need to have severe penalties for desertion in the army, but this man would be an
intelligence bonanza considering how long he has lived in N. Korea. I think it would be better to have him come back home.
-koji K.
[edit on 8-7-2004 by koji_K]
[edit on 8-7-2004 by koji_K]
[edit on 8-7-2004 by koji_K]
[edit on 8-7-2004 by John bull 1]