[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] Defense Minister nominee Lee Jong-seop responded that he has "no intention to scrap" the September 19 Inter-Korean Military Agreement.
At the confirmation hearing held on the morning of the 4th at the National Assembly's National Defense Committee, Lee stated in response to a question from Han Ki-ho of the People Power Party, "We will carefully verify whether North and South Korea are properly implementing the September 19 Inter-Korean Military Agreement in accordance with its intent, especially regarding North Korea's provocations."
On the same day, Representative Han pointed out that North Korea has not properly implemented the agreement, mentioning North Korea's Changrindo coastal artillery firing drills and the demolition of the Inter-Korean Liaison Office.
In response, when Democratic Party lawmaker Hong Young-pyo asked if this meant he was not in favor of scrapping the agreement, Lee reiterated, "That is correct."
When asked if President-elect Yoon holds the same position, Lee explained, "The President-elect has consistently stated, both during the election process and afterward, that he does not intend to scrap the September 19 Military Agreement, and that he will ensure it is properly upheld. This is in line with what I have said."
It is known that North Korea fired four rounds of multiple rocket launchers (the North Korean term for multiple rocket launchers) in the Sukchon area north of Pyongyang on March 22, reportedly as part of winter training. The Ministry of National Defense clarified that the maritime buffer zone established under the September 19 Military Agreement spans a 135 km section from north of Deokjeokdo on the South Korean West Sea side to south of Chodo near Nampo on the North Korean side, and that this area does not include the location of the firing, so it does not constitute a violation of the military agreement.
However, President-elect Yoon Seok-yeol has described this as "a clear violation of the September 19 (Inter-Korean Military) Agreement." Regarding the claim that "our military also conducts such training; have we stopped missile tests?" Lee countered, "There is a difference between North Korea developing ICBMs and our missile development," adding, "(North Korea's missile launches) are subject to sanctions under UN Security Council resolutions."
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