South Korea’s Defense Nominee Calls to Restore Military Pact
(MENAFN) Ahn Gyu-back, the nominee for South Korea’s Defense Minister, emphasized the importance of reinstating the inter-Korean military tension reduction agreement as the new administration aims to improve relations with North Korea, according to a report by a news agency on Wednesday.
In a written response to a query from Kang Dae-sik, a lawmaker from the main opposition People Power Party, Ahn stated, "For the sake of sustainable peace on the Korean Peninsula, it is necessary to ease inter-Korean military tension and establish trust." This reflects his viewpoint on reviving the suspended pact.
The current government, led by President Yoon Suk Yeol, halted the 2018 agreement in June of the previous year, reacting to North Korea’s ongoing balloon propaganda campaigns and efforts to interfere with GPS signals around border islands.
Ahn remarked, "Considering the impact on military operations and a comprehensive review, I will seek a direction that practically contributes to easing inter-Korean military tensions and establishing trust," highlighting his intent to carefully evaluate the matter with an eye toward pragmatic solutions.
Markedly, Ahn is the first civilian nominee for the defense minister position in 64 years.
He was nominated by President Lee Jae-myung for a role traditionally occupied by retired military generals.
The National Assembly is set to conduct his confirmation hearing on July 15.
Responding to the recent U.S. appeal urging its allies to boost defense budgets to 5 percent of GDP, Ahn remarked that South Korea will independently decide on its defense spending policies.
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