"Additional Troop Dispatch to Iraq Depends on Korean People’s Decision"

Commander of the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) and Combined Forces Command (CFC) Gen. Leon LaPorte yesterday said, “An additional troop dispatch (to Iraq) from South Korea is a critical issue and therefore, the decision is totally up to Korean people.” Gen. LaPorte mentioned that the size of troop dispatch as a result of the nation’s discussion would be important since it will be finally decided by the South Korean government and the citizens.

In commemoration of the 25th anniversary of ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command, Gen. LaPorte held a press meeting at a conference room of Yongsan Garrison in Seoul, stressing that the support from allied forces against disputes is of a great importance.

Regarding the relocation issue of USFK, the U.S. top commander said, “The capability of military affairs is one thing, and the size of military power is another one. The two nations are under discussion on the improvement of USFK’s performance, and we will never attenuate a commitment on the Korean Peninsula.”

Sang-Ho Yun ysh1005@donga.com