North Korea has confirmed custody of Travis King in its first response to requests for information on the US soldier's whereabouts.
The 23-year-old private dashed across the border from South Korea on 18 July while on a guided tour, reports BBC.
The UN Command said it would not give more details about Pyongyang's response at this time.
It said it "did not want to interfere with the efforts to bring him home".
However, the reply indicates Pyongyang could be ready to start negotiating.
Bd-pratidin English/Golam Rosul
