U.S. special envoy for North Korean human rights Jay Lefkowitz says North Korea could reach a situation where the government can no longer control all aspects of people's daily lives.

In a finalized report submitted to Congress last Saturday, he said widespread fear of the state still remains and open opposition is not allowed in the North but that changes have been detected in recent days.

He cited lack of progress in publicized anti-regime resistance or in human rights but said changes, although small, are showing up which could lead to more favorable human rights conditions.

The envoy said that all in all, North Korea could enter the last stage of the Stalinist era.