US Official: US Remains "Very Open" To Diplomacy With North Korea

Reuters carrying comment from a senior Biden Administration official following the return of US citizen, Private Travis King, who had been detained in North Korea since July 18.

• Official: "China played constructive role in facilitating King's transfer out of china."
• States: "US remains very open to possibility of diplomacy with North Korea."
• Official says, "no concessions given to North Korea for King's release."
• King's return provides a diplomatic win for the US State Department after accusations from Republicans that the Biden administration's recent policies to swap prisoners and ease sanctions in return for detained Americans in Russia and Iran rewarded hostage taking tactics.
• King's return may also slightly lower tensions on the Korean Peninsula which have been elevated since North Korea Leader Kim Jong-un signed an enhanced cooperation pact with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Russia last month.
• White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said in a statement: "We thank the government of Sweden for its diplomatic role serving as the protecting power for the United States in the DPRK and the government of the Peoples Republic of China for its assistance in facilitating the transit of Private King."