Security Special:

Security Special:
US Defense Secretary Cohen's visit to Asia
Korean Delegation Goes to US to Demand Revisions to Unjust Treaty Governing US Troops in South Korea

Peace and security issues will certainly be high on the agenda of ASEM 3, particularly given the recent summit between North and South Korea and efforts between the two to move towards reunification. The United States are, to say the least, following these developments with a concerned eye. Defense Secretary Cohen has just completed a tour of Asian countries during which he continuously stressed the need for American military presence in the region. We are reproducing a joint communiqué from Secretary Cohen and Choe Seong Tae, South Korean Minister of National Defense.
Links to communiqués from Cohen’s visits to other Asian countries follow.

32nd Republic of Korea - United States Security Consultative Meeting
Joint Communiqué, September 21, 2000, Seoul, Korea

1. The 32nd ROK-US Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) was held in Seoul on September 21, 2000. ROK Minister of National Defense Cho Seong Tae and US Secretary of Defense William Cohen led their respective delegations, which included senior defense and foreign affairs officials. Before the SCM, the Chairmen of the respective Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Cho Yung Kil and General Henry Shelton, presided over the 22nd ROK-US Military Committee Meeting (MCM) on September 20.
2. Minister Cho and Secretary Cohen reviewed the current security situation in and around the Korean Peninsula and assessed the positive developments that have been taking place on the Korean Peninsula since the historic inter-Korean summit meeting held in Pyongyang from June 13 to 15. Both Ministers hoped that active implementation of the South- North Joint Declaration of June 15 would lead to broad cooperation and a fundamental reduction of tensions on the Peninsula. In this regard, Secretary Cohen welcomed the decision to hold an inter-Korean Defense Ministers' meeting, and the two Ministers hoped that a substantial discussion regarding military confidence-building measures would take place there. Both Ministers reaffirmed that they would maintain close policy coordination toward the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK/North Korea) in order to ensure peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.
3. The two Ministers shared the view that the inter-Korean summit meeting was the result of four factors: a) the engagement policy towards North Korea, which has been consistently pursued by the Republic of Korea and the United States; b) a strong ROK-US security alliance; c) close ROK- Japan-US trilateral coordination; and d) support by the international community.
4. Minister Cho and Secretary Cohen reaffirmed the importance of full implementation of the 1992 Joint Declaration on the Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, the Agreed Framework of 1994, and North Korea's responsibilities under the Non-Proliferation Treaty and associated safeguards agreement. With regard to the suspect underground site at Kumchang-ri in North Korea, the two Ministers expressed their satisfaction with the prompt completion of the second visit there, which confirmed the conclusion of the first visit in May 1999 that the facility did not violate the Agreed Framework.
5. The two Ministers concurred that measures such as the reunion of separated families, the continued dialogue between South and North Korean authorities, inter-Korean economic cooperation, and the reduction of loudspeaker denunciations along the DMZ have created a positive environment for inter-Korean reconciliation. However, they noted that North Korea's chemical, biological, nuclear, and long-range missile programs continue to pose a threat to ROK, US and regional security. They urged North Korea to abide by international conventions banning the production, possession, and use of these weapons. The two Ministers emphasized the need for North Korea to take substantial and verifiable measures to reduce military tensions and support the positive environment created by recent inter-Korean dialogue and diplomatic progress between North Korea and other countries.
6. Both Ministers welcomed the efforts by the US and North Korea to hold bilateral talks on matters such as nuclear nonproliferation, missiles, and terrorism. They also took positive note of the first meeting between the US Secretary of State and the North Korean Foreign Minister, held at the ASEAN Region Forum (ARF) in July 2000. In particular, the two Ministers welcomed North Korea's reaffirmation in June 2000 of its missile testing moratorium and the resumption of US-DPRK missile talks. They also hoped that the US and North Korea would resolve issues of mutual interest through dialogue, leading to the improvement and development of their bilateral relationship.
7. Minister Cho and Secretary Cohen shared the view that the Four Party Talks are a valuable forum for the reduction of tensions and establishment of a peace regime on the Korean Peninsula. Both Ministers expect that the recent developments in inter-Korean relations and US-DPRK relations will result in a resumption of the Four Party Talks. Both Ministers reaffirmed that the Military Armistice Agreement of 1953 remains valid and should be observed until superceded by a permanent peace regime.
8. Minister Cho and Secretary Cohen agreed that the ROK- US security alliance is stronger than ever and that combined defense readiness should be steadfastly maintained to deter a wide range of possible threats and to reinforce engagement with the North. Secretary Cohen reaffirmed the US commitment to render prompt and effective assistance to the ROK in deterring and repelling any armed attack against the ROK, in accordance with the ROK-US Mutual Defense Treaty. The US also reaffirmed its commitment to provide a nuclear umbrella for the ROK. The two Ministers agreed that in case of an emergency on the Korean peninsula, the ROK and the US would closely cooperate in dealing with the situation. In this regard, they discussed several practical steps, including the timely deployment of US reinforcements in an emergency. Both Ministers shared the view that combined training and exercises are crucial in deterring war on the Korean Peninsula and enhancing combined readiness.
9. Minister Cho and Secretary Cohen reaffirmed that the ROK-US security alliance plays a pivotal role in maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. The Ministers expressed their belief that the alliance will serve to maintain peace and stability in Northeast Asia and the Asia-Pacific region as a whole even after the immediate threat to stability has receded on the Korean Peninsula. They also agreed that the two countries would most effectively promote their common values and interests by maintaining their bilateral security alliance for the long term, while adapting it to changing circumstances. In this regard, the two Ministers agreed to continue their joint efforts for the long-term development of ROK-US security relations in the 21st century.
10. The two Ministers appreciated their two governments' joint efforts through the Bilateral Coordination Group to establish the facts of what happened at Nogun-ri and agreed to continue these efforts. Both also noted that the Nogun-ri incident will not undermine the close bilateral cooperation based upon trust and friendship built through fifty years of partnership. In that regard, both Ministers agreed that the process of establishing the facts of what happened at Nogun- ri should be thorough, complete, and transparent, and should be concluded as quickly as possible.
11. Minister Cho and Secretary Cohen expressed their satisfaction that the negotiations to revise the SOFA had resumed in Seoul in August 2000 and that the ROK and the US agreed to revise the SOFA as soon as possible. The two Ministers concurred that the revision of the SOFA, taking both sides' interests into full account, will positively contribute to the long-term strength of the ROK-US alliance, and they agreed to make active efforts for completing the SOFA revision process as expeditiously as possible.
12. The two Ministers also agreed that the issue of adopting the ROK's new missile guidelines should be resolved as soon as possible in accordance with Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) guidelines.
13. Secretary Cohen announced that he had given authority to United States Forces Korea to begin work with the Korean Government on the development of a Land Partnership Plan. While recognizing the need for cooperation on this plan, and for balancing the desires of the Korean public and the training needs of US Forces Korea, the two Ministers agreed to fully discuss the detailed plan between USFK and the Korean Government. The plan seeks to consolidate US units and installations through a small number of new land grants and the return of a substantial amount of the land currently used by US forces stationed in the ROK.
14. Minister Cho and Secretary Cohen acknowledged the important contributions of the SCM subcommittees on policy review, logistics cooperation, security cooperation, and defense technology and industry cooperation in facilitating consultations on, and resolution of, issues between the two Ministries.
15. The two delegations agreed that the 32nd SCM and the 22nd MCM provided an excellent opportunity to further solidify the ROK-US security alliance and address issues related to their current and future security relationship. Minister Cho and Secretary Cohen agreed to maintain close consultations and to hold the next SCM at a mutually convenient time in 2001 in Washington, D.C.
16. Secretary Cohen expressed his gratitude to Minister Cho for the warm welcome and gracious hospitality extended to the US delegation and also for the excellent arrangements that made this meeting such a success.

Cohen Press Conference in Bangkok

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Sep2000/t09202000_t0919s ec.html

Cohen Press Conference in Jakarta

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Sep2000/t09182000_t0918s ec.html

Cohen Remarks Aboard USS Germantown in Singapore

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Sep2000/t09182000_t0917s da.html

Joint Press Conference with Cohen and Philippine Secretary

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Sep2000/t09152000_t915ph il.html

Korean Delegation Goes to US to Demand Revisions to Unjust Treaty Governing US Troops in South Korea

Delegates representing a coalition of over 140 South Korean civic groups are visiting New York and Washington DC from September 21-October 1, 2000. The delegates from the People's Action for Reform of the Unjust ROK-US SOFA (PAR-SOFA) go to US to call for changes to the Status of Armed Forces Agreement (SOFA), the treaty that governs US troops in South Korea. The delegates will attend International Action day for Vieques, Puerto Rico in 11:00 AM on Friday, Sept. 22 in front of White House and give a solidarity speech. And on Tuesday, Sept. 26, from 3:00-5:00 PM at the Institute for Policy Studies, 733 15th St. NW.

In comparison to the SOFA treaties made with Japan and Germany, ROK-US SOFA is far more lax, allowing US troops far more leeway in terms of crimes committed, environmental pollution, and unresponsiveness to Korean civilians who have suffered from deaths, injuries, or damage to property inflicted by US troops.

Most recently:
Environment: 2/9/00 USFK personnel at Yongsan base poured 20 gallons of formaldehyde down a drain leading to Han river,
main source of water for Seoul. It was found that this has been an ongoing practice by USFK.
Bases: 5/8/00 Maehyang-ri village by Koon-ni Bombing Range, the US Airforce's only bombing range in East Asia had suffered 170 houses damaged and 7 people injured, when an A-10 fights plane with engine trouble dropped 6 live 500-pound bombs to reduce the weight in a nearby bay. Maehyang-ri has for years endured extreme noise (90-100 dB) and environmental (lead, cadmium) pollution, accidental deaths (12) and injuries (28), as well as serious health problems to its residents.

Criminal Justice: 2/19/00 US GI Christopher McCarthy strangled a 31-year-old Korean waitress to death. For this he received an eight year sentence. 3/11 /00 a 68-year-old Korean woman was found beaten to death. Crimes committed by US soldiers are difficult to convict. The US can demand jurisdiction over cases any time (which has been done in 98% of cases since the implementation of SOFA in 1967).

Delegation:
Father Moon Jeong-Hyeon (standing co-representative of PAR-SOFA)
Ms. Lee Hyun-Sook (PAR-SOFA, Women Making Peace)
Ms. Byun Yon-Sik (PAR-SOFA, Korea House for International Solidarity)
Mr. Kim Yong Han (PAR-SOFA)
Mr. Choi Jae-hun (Korea House for International Solidarity)
Heading the delegation is Father Moon Jeong-Hyeon, a Catholic priest who has been an active leader in the movement for democracy and labor rights in South Korea for over thirty years. In 1991, we tried to push for the reform of SOFA during the negotiations but at that time there wasn’t a strong people’s coalition to emphasize our demands. So in fact, the results were worse than the SOFA we had before. Now, many different groups have realized how serious the problems of SOFA are. We cannot pass up this opportunity to make real changes to SOFA.

Demands:

1. Obtain Justice for Korean Victims of Violent Crimes.
   Guarantee of the right of criminal jurisdiction of local police, prosecutorial, and judicial authorities in all stages of criminal process - investigation, trial, and execution of sentence. At present an American suspect remains free on US base property until conviction, hampering the gathering of evidence by Korean authorities. Also the US retains the right to claim jurisdiction over the suspect at any time (which it has done so in 98% of the cases since SOFA was implemented in 1967).
2. Provide a Fair Opportunity for Korean Civilians to Have Their Grievances Acknowledged.
   Provision of concrete and detailed procedural regulations for civil claims, civil law suits, and enforcement of the ruling of the local courts. Currently Korean citizens have limited and ineffective means to pursue claims of wrongdoing or damages caused by US troops.
3. Establish a Reasonable Land Use policy.
   Provision of rational policy, regulation, and guidelines for making land available for use by the US Armed Forces, its management, and its eventual return. Under SOFA, base land available to the USFK is leased rent-free for an unlimited period of time, with no regulations on how the land is used. Thus in violation of zoning laws, hotels and even a golf course have been constructed on base land.
4. Include Environmental Regulation Articles in SOFA.
   Clear statement of the responsibility of the US government for the consequences of environmental pollution and degradation resulting in the bases. There is currently no article under SOFA that addresses any environmental problems arising from deliberate or accidental pollution related to the bases. There is also no requirement for the US government to restore the base environment prior to withdrawal from the land, thus USFK is free to pollute without any stipulations.
5. Labor Rights for Korean employees of US Bases.
   Guarantees for the labor and human rights of Korean-national workers employed within the bases. Currently Korean employees at US bases are not assured of their labor rights as guaranteed under Korean labor law. Thus employees can be fired without prior notice and their rights to organize are limited as well.
6. Reduce Tax-free Imports of US goods.
   Repeal of the excessive preferential treatment to those subject to the Treaty in terms of entry and customs duties for imports and taxation. There is no means for Korean customs authorities to inspect or regulate the tax-free import of goods because of SOFA that end up disrupting the local market. It also makes prevention of the entrance of dangers.
7. Fair Treatment for Korean Women and Amerasian Children.
   Provide appropriate cultural conduct and sex education information to US military personnel to reduce friction with Korean neighbors. US soldiers should be examined regularly to prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases. The US government should also take responsibility for the financial costs of raising children fathered by US soldiers. There are presently over 1,000 children who don’t receive support from their fathers.

People’s Action for Reform of the Unjust ROK-US SOFA
Address: Jongdong Bldg., Annex 5th Fl., 15-5
Jong-Dong, Jung-GU, Seoul, 110-120 Korea
Tel no: 82-2757-7386
Fax no: 82-2-757-7383
E-mail address: krsy@chollian.net
Web site: sofa.jinbo.net

US Contact:
Choi Jae-hun (Korean House for International Solidarity),
Andrew Wells-Dang (Asia Pacific Center for Justice and Peace)
Tel. (202) 543-1094