ROK thanks foreign war veterans

The South Korean National Assembly will adopt a resolution to thank the 16 countries that dispatched troops to South Korea from 1950-1953 and their soldiers who fought for the South.

A dozen lawmakers from the ruling and opposition parties proposed the resolution to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the start of the Korean War, which falls on Friday.

The parliamentary committee on national policy adopted the resolution Monday, and it will be adopted by the National Assembly at a plenary session in about a week, the lawmakers said.

The 16 nations that fought with the South include the United States, Britain, Australia and Canada, as well as other countries that provided medical, economic and humanitarian aid. The resolution also vows that South Korea will fulfill its duty as a free democracy to contribute to world peace and stability.

The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs has invited 300 veterans and their families to Korea this week. Flying from nine countries, they will visit historical sites such as the Seoul National Cemetery, War Memorial and unification observatory.

By Christine Kim [christine.kim@joongang.co.kr]