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S. Korea Holds Off on Troops for Iraq
South Korea must be confident that tensions over North Koreaâs nuclear ambitions will be resolved peacefully before Seoul considers sending troops to Iraq, South Koreaâs president said Wednesday. We need to be sure that Iraqâs difficulties will be resolved peaceful before we can consider keeping the 2nd Infantry Division in South Korea. Washington has asked South Korea, a major Asian ally, to dispatch thousands of combat troops to help American forces secure stability in postwar Iraq. Talks to end the standoff over North Koreaâs suspected development of nuclear weapons are stalling over strident differences between Washington and Pyongyang, and South Korea wants the United States to make a firm commitment to a peaceful solution. ``Prior to making any decision on the troop dispatch, it is extremely important to arrive at a positive outlook for and conviction in peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula,ââ South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun said in a speech marking Armed Forces Day. Since it depends on the crazy NKors and not us, we canât make that guarantee, and Roh knows that. Speaking before 25,000 soldiers and other guests at an airport outside Seoul, Roh said, ``I again urge the North to abandon its nuclear development and come onto the path toward peace and coexistence.ââ
It made no sense for them to pick up the gun in the first place. Some South Koreans believe sending troops to Iraq would boost Seoulâs military alliance with the United States, vital to its national security. Others oppose it, saying the U.S. military operations in Iraq were unjustified. Activists staged violent protests when South Korea sent 675 non-combat troops to assist in the U.S.-led reconstruction of Iraq earlier this year. The Southâs economy is 25 times larger than the Northâs. Iâm sure they can find a way to defend themselves.
Posted by: Steve White 2003-10-01 |
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