A diplomatic source in Washington says officials have been unable to contact a North Korean communication channel for the United Nations and the United States.

The source said Han Song-ryol, North Korea's deputy ambassador to the UN, has been unreachable since he communicated with U.S. officials on Tuesday, a day after the announcement of Kim Jong-il's death.

The source said Han is expected to attempt contact with the U.S. after he receives new instructions following Kim's funeral.

The source also said contact from North Korea to the U.S. is likely to happen sometime in January when the North's New Year's message is announced or around Kim Jong-un's birthday on January eighth.