Ministry Refutes Command Shift Critics

In a commentary written by a spokesperson yesterday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade refuted the statement issued by 160 former diplomats, in which they argued against regaining wartime operational control.

Without directly criticizing its seniors, the Foreign Ministry made clear that the wartime operational control transfer will neither cause the withdrawal of the U.S. Forces Korea nor hurt the Korea-U.S. alliance.

It was evident that the ministry was concerned about the possibility of the commentary depicting the situation as a confrontation between former and current diplomats.

“If we do not do anything, people will think we support the opposition to the transfer of wartime operational control, and if we actively counter the opposition, they will see this as a fight between the seniors and the juniors,” one ministry official worried.

The commentary was released under the orders of Foreign Minister Ban Ki-moon, who is accompanying President Roh Moo-hyun to the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) in Finland.

“Cheong Wa Dae is very much sensitive about the growing opposition from various social groups including former generals, scholars, lawyers, and religious leaders. I do not think Minister Ban ordered the release of a commentary out of his own will,” one senior diplomat said.

In addition, some say that the ministry had no choice but to write the commentary since there are many active diplomats who are withholding their view against the transfer. In other words, the ministry had to clarify its position.

“Government officials are required to follow the policy decisions of the top. So we have no other choice,” one diplomat complained.

“After returning wartime operational control to Korea, the U.S. will demand Korea to assume a significant portion of the security expenses it has been paying on the Korean peninsula. I wonder if we are capable of bearing the cost,” another diplomat said.

With regards to the U.S.’ strong demand on Korea to increase its share of the defense cost of the USFK, one senior diplomat explained that the U.S. wants Korea to assume greater responsibility commensurate with the greater authority it will get from the transfer of wartime operational control.

gun43@donga.com