An American soldier who vanished from his Army unit in 1965 today pleaded guilty to deserting the military and fleeing to North Korea to avoid dangerous duty on the Korean peninsula and Vietnam.

Accused US army deserter Charles Jenkins said today he will surrender to face charges that have dogged him since he vanished from his unit in South Korea nearly 40 years ago and resurfaced as a potent propaganda tool in the communist North.

An American accused of deserting the army 40 years ago and fleeing to North Korea spent his first full day with his Japanese wife today after an emotional reunion.

Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi will travel to North Korea for talks with leader Kim Jong Il in hopes of winning the release of family members of Japanese citizens abducted decades ago, the government said today.