Wartime control transfer to strengthen alliance: U.S. ambassador

The top U.S. envoy here said Monday that South Korea's planned takeover of wartime control of its military from the United States will strengthen the alliance between the two countries rather than weaken it.

In a meeting with ruling party leaders, U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Alexander Vershbow stressed that the two countries have so far agreed only on the change of wartime control "after a transitional period."

Vershobow's remarks come at a time when South Korea and the U.S. have almost finalized joint studies on the terms of a new alliance, with a focus on Seoul's greater role in its military operations.

But they are still at odds over the timeline of and roadmap for the transfer of wartime operational control.

The U.S. suggested it could be returned to South Korea as early as 2009, citing the latter's improved defense capabilities, while South Korea's Defense Ministry said it hopes to retake it by 2012.

The ambassador said the Seoul-Washington alliance is now evolving in a more balanced way and that it will be strengthened over the next five decades, noting that it is based on common values and interests.

In response, Rep. Kim Geun-tae, chairman of the ruling Uri Party, said he keeps in mind that the U.S. made efforts to help bring about democracy to South Korea, while he, a former activist, was sometimes very critical of the U.S. moving in an opposing direction to the wishes of South Koreans in the past.

Meanwhile, ruling and opposition parties butted horns over government plans to take back wartime control of the military from the U.S.

"It is natural that a sovereign country has wartime operational control. Political wrangling should be ended immediately if it is only designed to win political gains by instigating fears about national security," Kim said.

But the main opposition Grand National Party (GNP) countered that wartime control transfer will likely jeopardize the long-running alliance and cause North Korea's misguided attempt to attack South Korea first.

"We will push to hold parliamentary hearings on national defense, and consider arranging a referendum on the issue unless the government stops pushing to take over wartime control," said Rep. Kang Jae-seop, chairman of the GNP.

On Wednesday, government and ruling party officials are scheduled to discuss ways of fine-tuning their positions on plans for wartime control recovery.

During the meeting, Defense Minister Yoon Kwang-ung will explain the government's plan, while Rep. Kim Han-gill, floor leader of the ruling Uri Party, and Rep. Kang Bong-kyun, the party's chief policymaker, are expected to present their views on the subject.

Seoul, Aug. 14 (Yonhap News)