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Zaytun chief wants his unit to stay longer
in Iraqi Kurdistan
13.9.2007
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The extended stay of Zaytun troops is in the
interest of South Korea
September 13, 2007
Erbil-Hewler, Kurdistan region (Iraq), ---
The commander of South Korean troops in Iraqi
Kurdistan (Northern Iraq) has expressed hope that
his unit will be given more time to help the
war-racked nation rehabilitate, as the Seoul
government plans to draw up a timetable for its
withdrawal by the end of this month.
Maj. Gen. Yoon Young-bum claimed that the extended
stay of the 1,200-strong Zaytun troops is in the
interest of South Korea, which is seeking business
opportunities in the oil-rich country. Zaytun means
olive in Arabic.
South Korea sent 3,600 soldiers to Kurdistan
region's (northern Iraq) capital of Erbil in 2004 at
the request of the U.S., and the number has been
gradually reduced to 1,200. Zaytun remains the
third-largest coalition force in Iraq. |
Zaytun camp, the base of South Korean troops in
Iraqi Kurdistan |
"Zaytun has good reputation among local residents
and has done a lot for their life. But rather than
being satisfied with it, I hope Zaytun's
accomplishments will be linked with the national
interest," Yoon told a group of security reporters
visiting the unit earlier this week.
He also emphasized the status of South Korean troops
belonging to the Multi-National Forces in Iraq (MNF-I)
and Multi-National Corps in Iraq (MNC-I).
"Personally, I think it is desirable for Zaytun to
end its mission at the same time as the MNC-I's key
mission finishes," he said.
The general's comments were unusually direct, given
defense officials in Seoul are guarded on the
sensitive issue of whether to extend the troop
dispatch to assist Washington's unpopular campaign.
Defense sources in Seoul said, however, that the
military is considering a one-year extension of
Zaytun's mandate but a flexible number of troops.
They say Seoul will probably maintain its troops at
1,200 or reduce the number by 300 or 400.
"The Defense Ministry will likely submit a report,
which requires an one-year extension but leaves room
for drawdown, to the National Assembly," a source
privy to the issue said.
Public opinion is split. Those who support extending
the troops' stay cite economic benefits.
The Korea National Oil Corp. signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) with the Kurdistan Regional
Government (KRG) on oil development in January.
In July, 13 South Korean construction firms also
signed an MOU with the KRG to build highways and
hydroelectric dams estimated to cost 23 trillion won
(US$ 23.4 billion).
Opponents say such projected economic gains are
overblown, arguing Zaytun has already completed its
mission and it has no reason to stay there further
at a time when many other coalition forces are
rushing to exit Iraq or draw down their military
presence.
Britain has already announced a plan to reduce the
number of its soldiers in Iraq to 3,000 from the
current 5,300 by the end of this year.
Gen. David Petraeus, the top U.S. military commander
in Iraq, told the Congress on Monday that he
envisions the pullout of roughly 30,000 American
troops from Iraq by next summer.
yonhapnews co.kr
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