U.S. Allows Joint Probes

South Korea and the United States agreed Friday to allow Korean officials to participate in investigations of alleged environmental pollution at American military bases in Korea.

In its first informal conference, a joint council that administers the Status of Forces Agreement between the two countries also agreed to oblige U.S. military personnel to contact a local government office when an environmental violation occurs and make an official report of the violation within 48 hours.

In addition, they agreed to review jointly the results of environmental inspections at U.S. military bases.

Observers said the participation of Korean officials in investigations at U.S. bases is especially significant.

In the past Korean authorities had trouble getting onto bases to look into alleged environmental violations. Entry was often denied by U.S. military authorities, a government official said. Now, an application process will be established for Korean officials who want access to the installations.

"We've prepared plans to minimize damage by agreeing with the United States on joint investigation, base access and establishment of an emergency contact net," a government official said.

But the Korean government did not get everything it wanted out of the talks. Officials conceded that they made little progress on the issues of compensation to Koreans who are harmed by environmental pollution at U.S. bases and penalties for American service members who violate enviromental regulations.

The two sides added that no agreement was reached on setting up pollution prevention facilities at American installations.

by Lee Chul-hee