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 on Sunday,... General Vincent Brooks said President Moon Jae-in's term, which ends in 2022... is not a factor in determining the timeline.
Rather, he said it depends on certain conditions being met, such as Seoul's ability to exercise operational control and its readiness posture in decision-making.
Brooks also said it's important the transfer is not affected by a political timeline since it could lead to further North Korean provocations.
He dismissed concerns that 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 on Sunday,... General Vincent Brooks said President Moon Jae-in's term, which ends in 2022... is not a factor in determining the timeline.
Rather, he said it depends on certain conditions being met, such as Seoul's ability to exercise operational control and its readiness posture in decision-making.
Brooks also said it's important the transfer is not affected by a political timeline since it could lead to further North Korean provocations.
He dismissed concerns that 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.