Roh Seeks to Set Up ‘Cooperative Self-Defense’ System


By Shim Jae-yun
Staff Reporter

President Roh Moo-hyun on Thursday ordered measures be taken to set up a ``cooperative self-defense’’ system to cope with the relocation of some of the U.S. forces here to Iraq.

Roh also called on the nation to approach the redeployment calmly, saying it has long been anticipated, presidential spokesman Yoon Tai-young said.

The instructions came during a meeting at Chong Wa Dae of security-related ministers, which was held for the first time since Roh’s return to office.

Participants in the meeting also discussed other security issues, such as the inter-Korean military talks and the construction of an industrial complex in Kaesung, North Korea, near the border village of Panmunjom.

Yoon quoted Roh as saying that security officials have been mapping out steps to deal with the realignment of the U.S. forces and said he praised their approach to the recent U.S. redeployment.

``South Korea and the U.S. have been closely consulting with regard to the forces redeployment and there is no need to harbor concern as the government has been preparing necessary steps,’’ Roh said.

The president also called for efforts to push forward the North Korean nuclear issue and improve the security environment on the peninsula by reducing inter-Korean military tensions.

The meeting was convened amid growing wariness over the U.S. realignment plan and the possibility of an eventual withdrawal of its forces.

Touching on the inter-Korean military meeting, Roh said there should be tangible progress in the talks to lay the groundwork to easing military tension and increasing trust between the two Koreas.

Roh also ordered steps be taken to open a test area this year at the Kaesung industrial park. He said the project is significant as it will open an era of peace and prosperity in the Northeast Asia and improve the inter-Korean relations.

The participants at the meeting included Prime Minister Goh Kun, Unification Minister Jeong Se-hyun, Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Ban Ki-moon, Defense Minister Cho Young-kil and presidential chief of staff Kim Woo-sik.

jayshim@koreatimes.co.kr