Korea-U.S. security session commences

SEOUL: South Korea and the United States held their annual Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) in Seoul on Thursday. As usual, the two sides issued a statement emphasizing the importance of maintaining a close bilateral security alliance. Judging from the formal announcement, the session did not produce anything sensational or any remarkably new agreements.

The lack of newsworthy accords does not mean that the meeting was not important. It was significant in that it gave a precious opportunity for the two countries' top defense officials -- Minister Cho Seong-tae and Secretary William Cohen -- to review political and security changes on and around the Korean Peninsula, particularly in relation to the rapidly developing inter-Korean ties.

The meeting was the first get-together between the defense chiefs since the historic June 15 summit between President Kim Dae-jung and North Korean leader Kim Jong-il. Also, the SCM took place just four days before Cho is scheduled to meet with his North Korean counterpart for formal military talks on Cheju Island. The SCM was held under ideal circumstances as far as timing was concerned.

Certainly, the session provided a good occasion for Seoul to convey the scope of the changes taking place regarding its relations with Pyongyang. We believe that this SCM helped Cohen better understand the latest inter-Korean developments.

This enhanced understanding will be in the interest of both sides. It will allow the two sides to fine-tune their common strategies in order to avoid any possible conflicts of interest as they pursue policies toward the Communist state.

Also, by obtaining more information on the North, Washington will be able to more effectively make efforts to hold talks with North Korea on matters such as nuclear nonproliferation, missiles and terrorism.

Cho and Cohen asserted there is no gap between the two sides in their perceptions regarding Seoul's endeavor to strengthen ties with Pyongyang. Although this was a reaffirmation of Washington's existing policy, it has a significant symbolic and psychological effect. It has certainly infused Seoul with a new confidence.

It appears that the two defense chiefs gave careful attention to addressing sensitive issues that have the potential to undermine bilateral cooperative ties. Cho and Cohen concurred on the need to tackle a number of thorny questions, including the proposed revision of the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA).

Maintaining this frank approach is desirable for the two sides as they try to prepare the framework for a new bilateral partnership in this new century.

Serious problems and conflict can arise in the relations between two countries. Especially when the question of stationing troops on another country's soil is concerned.

However, following a sentimental approach will not help solve such problems. Policymakers must address such issues calmly and rationally. Undoubtedly Cho and Cohen understood this principle. They were fully aware that if bilateral ties become strained, Seoul and Washington may unwittingly play into North Korea's hands.

Cho and Cohen reasserted that the presence of American troops in Korea is needed even after the reunification of South and North Korea. This reassertion will help dispel any unnecessary and premature debate over the future of the 37,000 American troops stationed in South Korea.

Cho and Cohen displayed judiciousness in coping with the so- called Nogun-ri incident and the issue of SOFA revision. Regarding the alleged massacre of Korean civilians in Nogun-ri by U.S. troops during the Korean War, they agreed that the process of establishing the facts should be thorough, complete and transparent and should be concluded as quickly as possible.

They also agreed to revise the SOFA as soon as possible. We hope that the two countries will soon take measures to implement these agreements.

They also aptly noted that North Korea's chemical, biological, nuclear and long-range missile programs continue to pose a threat to the Republic of Korea, to the United States and to regional security.

This statement demonstrates the awareness that the South must not loosen its military vigilance. The two Koreas are still technically at war. The Cho-Cohen accord stands as warning to those who harbor naive views of North Korea. President Kim Dae- jung's administration must be careful not to underestimate the importance of national security.

It is our educated guess that Minister Cho had more in-depth discussions beyond those covered in the publicly announced statement. This will surely be of great help in preparing for the talks with his North Korean counterpart.

Cho and Cohen agreed to hold the next security consultative meeting at a mutually convenient time next year in Washington. Many changes may occur between now and then and a lot depends on the Cheju inter-Korean defense ministers' meeting.

-- The Korea Herald / Asia News Network