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Japan seeks pardon for ex-U.S. soldier

TOKYO, May 16 (UPI) -- A pardon is being sought for a former American soldier living in North Korea who is married to a Japanese woman who was abducted by North Koreans.

The government of Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi has asked Washington for special consideration for Charles Robert Jenkins, the Japan Times said.

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Koizumi is to visit Pyongyang May 22 to meet with leader Kim Jong Il of North Korea.

Reports say North Korea wants to make a gesture of good will to Japan by freeing the relatives of abducted Japanese citizens. The five abductees have already been returned home, but they have eight relatives who remain in North Korea -- seven children and Jenkins.

The Japan Times said Jenkins is worried that if he leaves North Korea and goes to Japan, he may face U.S. prosecution. He reportedly deserted from the U.S. military.

A State Department spokesman, Richard Boucher, didn't mention Jenkins when he said the U.S. government backs Japan's efforts to win release of abducted Japanese and their family members.

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