SOFA Talks to Resume By Next Month At Latest

The government announced on May 19 that it would continue talks with the United States on revising the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) by next month at the latest. Concerning this, Chong Wa Dae explained that President Kim asked Stephen W. Bosworth, ambassador for the U.S. Embassy in Korea to cooperate in revising the SOFA during their meeting at Chong Wa Dae at a meeting at the beginning of May.

"We will resume our meetings with the U.S. on revising the SOFA by next week at the earliest and by next month at the latest," said the Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Lee Joung-bin at a press conference. He explained, "The government's position regarding the latest issues between Korea and the U.S."

Lee also added that he will actively participate in the negotiations to ensure a short period for the delivery of convicted American soldiers and to make a new clause concerning environmental problems.

Other officials also commented, "We will have the U.S. Army hand over criminals at the point of prosecution and attempt to solve the issue of citizens loosing land unjustly to U.S. Army bases."

"We will not only provide compensation but also consider the relocation of people once we settle the Maehyang-ri incident," said Minister Lee.

He asked people to restrain themselves from taking an extreme attitude towards the U.S. because anti-American sentiment will not help in improving the relationship between Korea and the U.S.

by Lee Chul-hee