Manila:South Korea has affirmed its right to the peaceful use of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) that separates it from North Korea, as stated by the government legislation minister. The minister noted that the differences with the United Nations Command (UNC) regarding control over the area have been reduced.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the South Korean government maintains that it should authorize access to the DMZ for peaceful purposes. However, the U.S.-led UNC contends that control lies with the UNC commander, as per the Armistice Agreement signed by China, North Korea, and the UNC after the Korean War.
Government Legislation Minister Cho Won-cheol highlighted during a parliamentary audit that the Armistice Agreement permits peaceful uses of the DMZ. He emphasized that the southern half of the DMZ falls under South Korea's jurisdiction. Cho acknowledged that South Korea had previously accepted the UNC's position that it lacked jurisdiction over the DMZ because it was not a signatory to the Armistice Agreement.
Cho indicated that discussions have begun regarding the peaceful use of the DMZ in exercising South Korea's rights. He mentioned that the UNC recognizes South Korea's sovereignty and admitted that its earlier stance had overstepped boundaries. The government has clarified its interpretation of the Armistice Agreement to the UNC, leading to a moderation of the UNC's position and a narrowing of views between the two parties.