During First Stage of Iraq Dispatch, Possible Loss of Lives Should be Expected

On November 27, the Congress Iraq dispatch inspection team (chief. GNP congressman Kang Chang-hee) visited the chairman of the congress, Park Kwan-yong, to report the results of their activities in Iraq.

“Though the examined regions are still in danger of terrorism, the public security is relatively fair compared to other parts in Iraq,” remarked congressman Kang to the chairman, adding, “The Iraqis are not only longing for the troop dispatch, but also for us to maintain the security of their own village.”

The chairman Park answered, “Thanks to the substantial work of the inspection team, we will efficiently question and unveil the confusing parts of the situation when the government suggests a written consent from us.”

On the other hand, it is passed on that the inspection team will touch on their opinion, “Considering the international relationship and the relationship to the U.S. and Iraq, it is necessary to profoundly examine as to whether or not to dispatch the troops to Iraq,” when they submit the final version of the activity report early next month.

“After objectively writing down the matters and facts gathered from the inspection activities for a draft version, we will proceed to add our individual opinions on this,” said one member of the inspection team, adding, “In fact, there is a lot of fuss over the type and the scale of the dispatch, but most of the members seem to agree with the dispatch itself.”

“We will include the reality that if we send our troops to Iraq, the risk of us losing soldiers during the beginning period of dispatch will be very high,” added one of the members of the inspection team.

Ho-Won Choi bestiger@donga.com