[Yang Nak-gyu's Defence Club] Did the UN Command Criticize the DMZ Permit?

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yang Nak-gyu] The United Nations Command (UNC) has been repeatedly highlighting its swift approval of the South Korean government's request to enter the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). This appears to be a response to criticisms that the UNC, which holds the authority to grant passage across the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) and permission to enter the DMZ, is abusing its approval rights.

On the 12th, the UNC stated, "Yesterday, we approved the Ministry of Environment's urgent request to enter the DMZ for an additional investigation of African Swine Fever (ASF)," adding, "The UNC will continue to support the Republic of Korea government's efforts to prevent the spread of ASF."

On the same day, the UNC also detailed its support for the South Korean government regarding the DMZ. It explained that it approved and cooperated with aerial disinfection efforts to prevent ASF spread within the DMZ, and notified the North Korean military of the disinfection plan based on the inter-Korean military agreement signed in September 2018. The UNC urgently approved the installation of disinfection booths within the DMZ and emphasized close cooperation with the Ministry of National Defense, Ministry of Unification, and Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism regarding ASF containment measures. Furthermore, the UNC reported that it restricted non-operational access to the DMZ at the South Korean government's request and approved urgent DMZ entry requests exceptionally made by the South Korean government during the implementation of ASF containment measures.

The UNC stated, "We are cooperating closely with the Republic of Korea government in this manner," and added, "We will continue to actively cooperate with the Republic of Korea government's requests to prevent further spread of African Swine Fever on the Korean Peninsula."

Meanwhile, on the 5th, the UNC also tweeted, "Starting today, the Ministry of Environment will conduct investigations related to African Swine Fever in the DMZ area," and said, "Although the urgent entry request was submitted on short notice, the UNC approved it. We will continue to support the South Korean government's efforts to control African Swine Fever."

The UNC further stated, "However, access to ASF risk areas in the DMZ for non-operational purposes based on the South Korean government's requests will continue to be restricted," and added, "The UNC plans to announce immediately whenever the South Korean government requests the opening of the DMZ."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.