The recent release of American student Otto Warmbier, 22, in a coma might complicate relations amid a potential nuclear weapons standoff in the Korean Peninsula, according to the report. DiMaggio helped establish an unofficial channel with the North Koreans early last year, termed "track two" because no active U.S. diplomat was a part of the meeting, per the WSJ. "If the North Koreans immediately released the remaining three prisoners, it could set up an atmosphere for potentially serious talks," she added. DiMaggio has worked to establish communications with other countries before, including Iran before President Barack Obama's controversial nuclear deal. Bill Richardson, D-N.M., who had met with North Koreans at a N.Y. steakhouse to discuss Warmbier's release, per the report.

Source: Wall Street Journal June 18, 2017 14:15 UTC