Opposition Party: "Dispatching Troops to Hormuz Inevitable... Regret Lack of Parliamentary Discussion"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] As the government has decided to independently dispatch troops to the Strait of Hormuz, opposition parties such as the Liberty Korea Party, the New Conservative Party, and the Bareunmirae Party have evaluated it as an "inevitable measure" but expressed regret over the lack of parliamentary discussion.

Kim Seong-won, spokesperson for the Liberty Korea Party, stated in a commentary on the 21st, "Considering the safety of over 25,000 overseas Koreans and the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, which accounts for more than 70% of crude oil transportation, the dispatch to Hormuz is inevitable."

Spokesperson Kim added, "In the midst of military tensions between the U.S. and Iran, with countries including France promoting escort operations for commercial vessels, our country cannot just stand by," but also pointed out, "However, it is regrettable that the main opposition party was completely excluded from the dispatch decision process, and it is necessary to review the parliamentary approval procedures in case of changes in the dispatch area, mission, duration, or budget."

The Liberty Korea Party stated, "Above all, the safety of our citizens and commercial vessels must be the top priority during the dispatch process, and comprehensive and swift judgments considering inter-state relations are necessary," adding, "The Liberty Korea Party will also fulfill its responsibility as the main opposition party to ensure that the dispatch is carried out through lawful procedures with the safety of the people as the highest priority."

Kwon Seong-ju, spokesperson for the New Conservative Party, also said, "As the opposition party, we respect the decision itself," but criticized the lack of parliamentary discussion, saying, "Since this issue involves sharp conflicts, there should have been a procedure to obtain parliamentary consent, and it was possible in terms of time." Spokesperson Kwon added, "I doubt whether the government ever even once considered the word 'National Assembly,' the people's representative body, during the major decision-making process concerning the safety rights of the people and diplomatic security."

Kim Jeong-hwa, spokesperson for the Bareunmirae Party, evaluated it as a "choice that maximally considers national interests," but pointed out, "However, changes in the mission and operational scope of the Cheonghae Unit are matters that can have a significant impact on the lives and property of the people, so parliamentary ratification is absolutely necessary."