Through talks with the U.S., Japan will continue to try to lobby for a way in which Jenkins would avoid a court-martial, the source said.

Soga reportedly wants to see her husband again at an early date. If the U.S. continues to ask Japan to hand Jenkins over, he is expected to refuse to visit Japan.

A U.S. source said there was a view in the State Department that special consideration should be given in Jenkins' case in view of Japan-U.S. relations.

Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, however, insisted that the U.S. military principle of court-martialing deserters be upheld, the source said. (Kyodo News)

Article reprinted courtesy of Japan Today : http://www.japantoday.com

Please also see other articles on the Abductees in our International Law section and on Japan Today.

Please continue for update on Mr. Jenkins.