Seoul to simplify peacekeeper dispatch

SEOUL, Feb. 22 (Yonhap) -- The South Korean government said on Sunday it will
pass a bill mandating annual parliamentary approval of its U.N. peacekeeping
missions to allow for more rapid troop dispatch.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and lawmakers from the ruling party
said the bill will help meet rising demand for immediate deployment to conflict
areas.
South Korea currently requires permission from the National Assembly on a
case-by-case basis to send forces overseas. The annual review plan had been put
off due to political dispute over the issue.
"If this new law is put into effect, the process of sending peacekeeping forces
will be much more simplified," said a ruling party lawmaker. "This will help
improve South Korea's contribution to the international community."
Critics point out that the new act can be seen as a violation the country's
Constitution, which requires parliamentary approval to send South Korean troops
overseas.
South Korea sent peacekeepers abroad for the first time to Somalia in 1993 and
dispatched troops to East Timor in 1999.
Currently, 394 South Korean troops and military officials are deployed to U.N.
peacekeeping operations in seven countries, including Lebanon, India and
Pakistan.
The latest move is in line with earlier pledges made by President Lee Myung-bak.
"We will expand our military role in the international community to a level that
will be compatible with the country's reputation and role in the world," Lee said
during his inauguration address in February last year.
brk@yna.co.kr
(END)