Roh call for strength in Korea’s military

President Roh Moo-hyun, in remarks to newly-commissioned general officers Saturday, stressed the need for an independent South Korean defensive capability.
He said, “The presence of United States Forces Korea here is for regional stability as a new stabilizer in Northeast Asia. Though I strongly approve of its presence, it is undesirable that the USFK become a fundamental part of our defense capability.”
“Our relationship with the USFK should become a mutually cooperative one,” he added. “From now on, our defense stance should be changed in order that our people not feel insecure at a small change of U.S. troops and so that our people trust in our armed forces.” He complained about the furor among politicians and the general public whenever there is any mention of changes to U.S. troop levels and dispositions here.