| News: No need to revise Korea-U.S. defense pact, minister says |
The primary focus of U.S. Forces Korea is to maintain peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and there is no need to revise the mutual defense agreement between Seoul and Washington just because of the realignment of troops, a top Seoul official said.
Speaking to the press on Wednesday, Foreign Minister Ban Ki-moon stressed any changes in the military relationship between the two countries would be made based on close consultations and would not alter their ability to maintain the objective of peace.
Speaking to the press on Wednesday, Foreign Minister Ban Ki-moon stressed any changes in the military relationship between the two countries would be made based on close consultations and would not alter their ability to maintain the objective of peace.
Regarding the relocation of the 8th U.S. Army base as well as the redeployment of the 2nd Infantry Division, Ban said the details will be worked out in the near future.
Last month, the United States informed Seoul its plans to redeploy an entire brigade of 3,600 soldiers from U.S. Forces Korea to war-torn Iraq, which stands in line with Washington's latest initiative to reposition their overseas troops.
"If and when future adjustments are needed on the size of the base relocation site due to the reduction of troops, Korea and the United States together will need to discuss the matter and make readjustments," he said.
The issue of required costs for the relocation of the Yongsan Garrison will be worked out only after an official agreement is made and a "master plan" is drawn up by the two sides, he said.
"The relocation issue will be the focal point of discussion at the 9th FOTA meeting and outside of that, a three-member discussion between Korea and the United States will be held on the resizing and realignment of American troops here," Ban said.
The 9th Future of the Alliance talks is set for June 7-8 in Seoul.
By Choi Soung-ah
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