Seoul: The United Nations Command (UNC) on Wednesday opposed a legislative proposal that seeks to grant the South Korean government control over non-military access to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). The UNC emphasized its role as the "administrator" of the military buffer zone between North and South Korea.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the UNC's statement comes amid a debate over a bill proposed by ruling party lawmakers earlier this year. The bill aims to give the South Korean government authority to regulate non-military access to the DMZ, as part of efforts to encourage the peaceful use of the military buffer zone.
The UNC, a U.S.-led multinational force, highlighted its historical role since 1953 as the successful administrator of the DMZ. It cited Article 1 of the armistice agreement, which outlines the responsibility of the UNC chief, who also serves as the commander of the U.S. Forces Korea, and grants control of access to the UNC Military Armistice Commission.
The statement noted that "civil administration and relief in that part of the Demilitarized Zone which is south of the Military Demarcation line shall be the responsibility of the Commander-in-Chief, United Nations Command." It further stated that "no person, military or civilian, shall be permitted to enter the demilitarized zone except persons concerned with the conduct of civil administration and relief and persons specifically authorized to enter by the Military Armistice Commission."
Despite its objections, the UNC recognized the South Korean military's critical role in administering the DMZ and reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the Armistice and stability on the Korean Peninsula, with hopes for a permanent peace treaty.
The debate over DMZ access resurfaced following remarks by Unification Minister Chung Dong-young, who highlighted the need for the DMZ access bill. He cited incidents where a senior presidential security official and Cardinal Lazzaro You Heung-sik were denied access to the buffer zone.
While the unification ministry supports the legislation on grounds of "territorial sovereignty," it faces objections from the foreign and defense ministries and the UNC, which argue that the armistice agreement remains the "binding framework" for DMZ access.
The UNC reportedly voiced its concerns during a recent meeting with the chief of the Ministry of Government Legislation.