The U.S. State Department says it's paying close attention to reports of North Korean power succession.

In a daily press briefing Monday, spokesman Ian Kelly said the department is unable to comment on leader Kim Jong-il's state of health due to department policy.

He said the government will not disclose any information that may have been obtained through intelligence channels.

Kelly said the U.S. is focusing on the moves made by the North Korean government to determine whether preparation for a succession might be taking place.

He added that the department has gotten no response from Pyongyang in regards to the request made by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for amnesty for two American journalists detained by North Korea.