South Korea’s unification ministry stated that proposed bills giving the government control over non-military access to the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) do not violate the armistice, as they necessitate prior consultation with the United Nations Command (UNC). The UNC had expressed strong disapproval of the bills, citing a conflict with the armistice that ended the Korean War in the 1950s. The ministry emphasized that the ongoing parliamentary discussions on the bills require UNC approval for DMZ access, ensuring no clash with the armistice agreement.
The ministry affirmed its commitment to collaborating on the DMZ access bills, respecting the National Assembly’s legislative authority. These bills, supported by ruling party lawmakers, aim to empower the government to regulate non-military entry into the DMZ, fostering peaceful utilization of the buffer zone between North and South Korea. Despite the ministry’s endorsement, the US.-led UNC objected to the bills, emphasizing its role as the DMZ administrator under the armistice agreement.
Unification Minister Chung Dong-young reiterated his backing for the bills, asserting their compatibility with the armistice. Addressing concerns about potential strain on South Korea-U.S. relations due to differences with the UNC, Chung dismissed such worries. In contrast, the defense ministry adopted a cautious approach, pledging close cooperation with the UNC on DMZ usage in line with the armistice agreement.
The foreign ministry highlighted the public’s interest in the peaceful utilization of the DMZ, emphasizing the need for discussions on relevant bills in coordination with the UNC while upholding the Armistice Agreement and UNC’s mandate. It stressed the importance of considering public sentiments and desires for the peaceful use of the DMZ.
