Ban Ki-moon: "The Declaration of the End of the War Will Provide an Excuse for the Withdrawal of US Forces in Korea"

Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is answering reporters' questions after paying respects to the late President Roh Tae-woo at the Seoul National University Hospital funeral hall in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 28th. 211028. (Photo by Joint Press Corps)

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon criticized the Moon Jae-in administration's push for a declaration to formally end the Korean War, saying it "would give North Korea an excuse to demand the dissolution of the UN Command and the withdrawal of US Forces Korea."

On the 30th, Ban delivered the keynote speech at the "Future Peace of the ROK-US Alliance Conference" held by the ROK-US Alliance Foundation and the US Forces Korea Veterans Association at the Millennium Hilton Hotel in Seoul, stating that the Moon administration appears to be making every effort behind the scenes for a declaration to formally end the war before the end of its term.

He said, "How many agreements have we made with North Korea so far? Among the numerous agreements, there is not a single one that has been meaningfully upheld," adding, "A declaration to formally end the war alone is not enough."

Ban emphasized that efforts should first focus on resolving the North Korean nuclear issue, saying, "If the North Korean nuclear issue is resolved, meaningful agreements between the South and the North will be made and upheld."