The U.S. State Department said that it is talking with North Korea about the fate of an imprisoned American who had reportedly attempted suicide in custody. Spokesman P.J. Crowley said Monday that the United States wants North Korea to release Aijalon Mahli Gomes because of health worries, AP reported. But Crowley would not comment on whether the Obama administration will send a high-level American envoy to bring Gomes home. U.S. officials earlier this month made a secret visit to North Korea in a failed attempt to secure Gomes' release. Gomes was sentenced to eight years of hard labor for entering the country illegally. Former President Bill Clinton traveled to Pyongyang last year to secure the release of two American journalists.
