President Moon's term not factor in OPCON transfer timeline: former USFK chief
- 5 years ago
The former commander of U.S. Forces Korea has sought to clarify concerns regarding the upcoming transfer of wartime operational control from Washington to Seoul.
In a written interview Sunday,... General Vincent Brooks said President Moon Jae-in's term, which ends in 2022... is NOT a factor in determining the timeline of the OPCON transfer.
Rather, he said it depends on certain conditions being met, such as Seoul's operational control ability and its readiness posture in decision-making.
Brooks also said it's important the transfer isn't influenced by a political timeline since it could lead to provocations from North Korea.
He dismissed concerns UN Command will replace Combined Forces Command... but said there needs to be an expansion of the UNC in terms of managing the armistice agreement, facilitating a peace treaty with North Korea as well as mediating pledges from the international community.
In a written interview Sunday,... General Vincent Brooks said President Moon Jae-in's term, which ends in 2022... is NOT a factor in determining the timeline of the OPCON transfer.
Rather, he said it depends on certain conditions being met, such as Seoul's operational control ability and its readiness posture in decision-making.
Brooks also said it's important the transfer isn't influenced by a political timeline since it could lead to provocations from North Korea.
He dismissed concerns UN Command will replace Combined Forces Command... but said there needs to be an expansion of the UNC in terms of managing the armistice agreement, facilitating a peace treaty with North Korea as well as mediating pledges from the international community.