Democratic Peace Party: "No Justification for Hormuz Deployment... Parliamentary Approval Required"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] The Party for Democracy and Peace criticized the government's decision to dispatch troops to the Strait of Hormuz, saying it is "hostile to Iran, a friendly country, in order to side with the United States." They emphasized that since the purpose of the dispatch has changed, parliamentary approval procedures should also be required.

Park Juhyun, the chief spokesperson of the Party for Democracy and Peace, criticized on the afternoon of the 21st through a statement, saying, "The deployment of the Cheonghae Unit to the Strait of Hormuz is participation in an unjustified war that the United States is waging against Iran."

He added, "We cannot agree because it is hostile to Iran, a traditional ally," and also pointed out, "Although the purpose of the dispatch was disguised, in reality, it is participation to side with the United States."

He further emphasized, "Increasing military forces in the Strait of Hormuz raises tensions and ultimately increases the possibility of war, so dispatching troops is not a solution."

Spokesperson Park urged, "The Cheonghae Unit was dispatched to the Gulf of Aden to protect ships from pirates," and "Since the purpose of this unit has changed, parliamentary approval procedures must be conducted."

Earlier that day, the government decided to independently dispatch the Cheonghae Unit to the Strait of Hormuz.

Ahn Kyu-baek, chairman of the National Defense Committee of the National Assembly, said to reporters after receiving a briefing on defense issues from the Ministry of National Defense that morning, "I was informed that the Cheonghae Unit, which has been deployed in the Gulf of Aden area, will be dispatched to some expanded areas."

Regarding the reason for the dispatch, he explained, "It is to ensure the safety of the people and guarantee the freedom of navigation of ships by expanding part of the operational scope."

Chairman Ahn stated, "This expansion of the Cheonghae Unit's operational area does not require parliamentary approval," and added, "It is based on the legal grounds in the previously approved dispatch consent bill that allows expanding the operational scope in emergencies."