Relocation of Yongsan Base Will Not Affect Command Posts

Gen. Leon J. Laporte, commander of the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK), confirmed Thursday, "Though the Yongsan base is moved out of Seoul, the command posts of the U.N. Command (UNC) and the Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command (CFC) will remain in Seoul."

In a meeting with local reporters, the U.S. military chief also explained that the relocation was in response to what the Korean people had wished. At present, 6,000-strong U.S. forces are stationed at the Yongsan garrison, and among these, 300 are working at the UNC and the CFC command posts.

"As it is not appropriate that 6,000 foreign troops are stationed in Washington D.C., it is not appropriate that the 6,000 U.S. troops stay in Seoul, either," said the general.

Regarding the relocation of the 2nd division of the U.S. army, he added, "According to the agreement reached at the U.S.-ROK Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) held at the end of last year, the two nations will discuss the duty of the USFK, the structure of war capacity, and relocation. Nothing has been decided yet."

With respect to this matter, James Soligan, deputy chief of staff at the UNC and U.S. Major General, said that there were several options for the relocation of the U.S. troops in Korea and that moving the 2nd division of the USFK could be one of these options.

Meanwhile, the USFK has decided to set up direct telephone lines at the CFC and troops under the command of it in order to address the complaints of residents around U.S. bases.

Sang-Ho Yun ysh1005@donga.com