Address to the nation by President Roh Moo-hyun on a timeframe for the completion of the mission of the Zaytun unit
I stand here before you today to talk about the issue of the withdrawal of the Zaytun unit, which is currently stationed in Iraq.
Last year, the Government obtained approval from the National Assembly to extend the deployment of the Zaytun unit on condition that the number of troops should be cut down to 1,200 from 2,300. It also pledged that the unit would be pulled out by the end of this year. Accordingly, the contingent is carrying out its mission with 1,200 soldiers now.
At this juncture, however, the Government is about to submit a bill to the National Assembly to further reduce the troops by half by the end of this year and to withdraw them in stages until December next year. More clearly put, the bill will be calling upon the National Assembly to allow for extending once more the deadline for the complete pullout of the troops promised last year until the end of the next year.
Prior to its submission, the Government would like to explain the current situation to the nation and ask for their understanding and cooperation. Before doing so, the Administration extends its sincere apology to the public for having to make another proposal different from the promise made last year.
Fellow Koreans,
When the Zaytun unit was first deployed to Iraq in 2003, the most crucial thing, among many other considerations, was peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. When the North Korean nuclear issue seemed likely to escalate into an unexpected situation at any time, it was imperative that the Korea-U.S. alliance be firmly maintained.
On top of this, close cooperation with the United States was needed in realigning relations, including the transfer of wartime operational control, redeployment of the U.S. Forces in Korea and strategic flexibility.
Looking back at the development of these issues over the past four years, I reckon that the dispatch of the unit was appropriate and realistic. The unwavering alliance between the United States and Korea allowed us to stick fast to our position in the course of resolving the North Korean nuclear problem and other long-standing security issues.
As of now, the Six-Party Talks are bearing fruit. Inter-Korean relations have also entered a new phase while endeavors are being made to improve North Korean-U.S. relations. In addition, a series of discussions are in progress with regard to the establishment of a peace regime on the Korean Peninsula and multilateral security cooperation in Northeast Asia.
The participation and cooperation of the United States in all these undertakings are instrumental to garner the desired achievements. Now is a time for us to forge an even stronger ROK-U.S. alliance than ever.
In addition, the peacekeeping and reconstruction activities of the Zaytun unit are contributing to stability in the Middle East, a major source of energy for our nation. On the occasion of my visit to the region, I was able to confirm that the unit has earned the unconditional trust of the local people. Also confirmed was the consensus among allied forces stationed in Iraq that it serves as a most exemplary case.
Now, a total of 12,000 men and women in uniform from 26 countries are assisting the operations of U.S. forces in Iraq. Korea is one of the countries that maintain the closest cooperation with the United States in terms of history, security and economy. On top of this, both the Iraqi Government and Kurdish local government strongly ask for the presence of the Zaytun unit.
Economic considerations were not part of the original purpose of our troop deployment. But under the circumstances that more and more Korean businesses have been making inroads into Iraq since last year, it is necessary to think about the economic aspects as well.
If we withdraw the Korean troops now, it is possible that the endeavors they have made so far would result in fewer rewards.
After giving serious thought to all these aspects, I have decided to make a new proposal to the nation that Korea withdraw its troops in phases. I request the Korean people to give the Administration their deep understanding in this respect.
Fellow citizens,
As President, I agonized a lot over this issue before making a decision. I am aware that a majority of people opposes extending the time schedule for pulling back our troops. I am also aware that it is only right to fulfill what I promised to the nation concerning the matter. By keeping my word about this matter, I know my personal reputation would be kept intact.
However, I thought it is more important to make a judgment based on national interests at this particular point in time.
Fellow Koreans,
I hope that the nation will give this matter its profound understanding and wholehearted support. Particularly, I urge politicians to give special attention to this issue. I trust that you will make a wise decision as we, as a nation, strive to bring about peace on the Korean Peninsula while forging ahead for an era of peace and prosperity in Northeast Asia.
In the coming days, the Administration will seek faithful dialogue and persuasion in order to have the proposal ratified in the National Assembly. At the same time, the Government will do all it can to help our officers and men and women in uniform fulfill their mission and return home safely.
Once again, I trust that the nation will give the Government special understanding and cooperation in this affair.
Thank you.
웹사이트: http://www.president.go.kr
이 보도자료는 Office of the President가(이) 작성해 뉴스와이어 서비스를 통해 배포한 뉴스입니다.
-
2008년 8월 6일 17:22
-
2008년 7월 9일 16:12