ID :
19186
Fri, 09/12/2008 - 13:29
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/19186
The shortlink copeid
Outgoing U.S. ambassador says alliance stronger, more balanced By
SEOUL, Sept. 12 (Yonhap) -- The South Korea-U.S. alliance stands stronger and much more balanced now than it was three years ago as the countries continue to work together on various regional and international challenges, including the North Korean nuclear issue, the outgoing U.S. ambassador to South Korea said Friday.
Alexander Vershbow also noted how upcoming changes in the alliance, such as the
transfer of wartime operational control of South Korean troops back to Seoul from
Washington, will help forge an even more balanced alliance that will represent
South Korea's improved stature in the international community.
"Changes are difficult, but while this is not easy, we are building a solid
foundation for the future of the alliance," Vershbow said during an honor
guard ceremony hosted by the commander of U.S. Forces Korea, Gen. Walter L.
Sharp, marking his upcoming departure.
The U.S. diplomat is scheduled to return to the United States later this month
after his near three-year service here. He will be replaced by Amb. Kathleen
Stephens, the first female American ambassador to Seoul.
While noting he and his South Korean counterparts were able to demonstrate
resilience in adapting to changes, the outgoing U.S. envoy said the countries
were moving "firmly, steadily and on the right track" toward those
changes.
In 2012, the wartime operational control, often called OPCON, of South Korean
troops will be handed back to Seoul and most of frontline U.S. troops stationed
here will be relocated to a new U.S. base being built in the southern city of
Pyeongtaek, he noted.
Sharp, the USFK commander who also heads the South Korea-U.S. Combined Forces
Command and the United Nations Command, praised Vershbow for his leading role in
arranging the OPCON transfer and the relocation of U.S. troops in Korea, but said
his greatest achievement came from his dedication and work in bringing North
Korea to the negotiating table.
"Diplomatic interaction has been an effective mechanism in engaging that
country, and has reduced tension in this region," said Sharp in his speech.
Alexander Vershbow also noted how upcoming changes in the alliance, such as the
transfer of wartime operational control of South Korean troops back to Seoul from
Washington, will help forge an even more balanced alliance that will represent
South Korea's improved stature in the international community.
"Changes are difficult, but while this is not easy, we are building a solid
foundation for the future of the alliance," Vershbow said during an honor
guard ceremony hosted by the commander of U.S. Forces Korea, Gen. Walter L.
Sharp, marking his upcoming departure.
The U.S. diplomat is scheduled to return to the United States later this month
after his near three-year service here. He will be replaced by Amb. Kathleen
Stephens, the first female American ambassador to Seoul.
While noting he and his South Korean counterparts were able to demonstrate
resilience in adapting to changes, the outgoing U.S. envoy said the countries
were moving "firmly, steadily and on the right track" toward those
changes.
In 2012, the wartime operational control, often called OPCON, of South Korean
troops will be handed back to Seoul and most of frontline U.S. troops stationed
here will be relocated to a new U.S. base being built in the southern city of
Pyeongtaek, he noted.
Sharp, the USFK commander who also heads the South Korea-U.S. Combined Forces
Command and the United Nations Command, praised Vershbow for his leading role in
arranging the OPCON transfer and the relocation of U.S. troops in Korea, but said
his greatest achievement came from his dedication and work in bringing North
Korea to the negotiating table.
"Diplomatic interaction has been an effective mechanism in engaging that
country, and has reduced tension in this region," said Sharp in his speech.
