S. Korea to set up 3,000-strong peacekeeping force

By Sam Kim
SEOUL, June 26 (Yonhap) -- South Korea plans to launch a 3,000-strong military
unit that can readily be deployed to assist peacekeeping operations around the
world, an official said Friday.

The unit will include 1,000 regular troops and 1,000 support troops, the defense
ministry official said, declining to give further details.
"It should help expedite the process of deployment," the official said, speaking
on condition of anonymity.
The plan comes as South Korea increases its role in multinational and U.N.
security operations.
Hundreds of South Korean soldiers are serving in such campaigns, including in
Lebanon, and the country recently sent a 300-crew destroyer to join a U.S.-led
anti-piracy campaign in Somali waters.
"The Army, the Navy and the Air Force will also quickly contribute troops if the
U.N. makes a request and deployment is approved," the official said.
samkim@yna.co.kr
(END)