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ROK TO ASSUME GREATER ROLE IN JSA SECURITY AND SUPPORT

UNITED STATES FORCES KOREA

YONGSAN GARRISON, Seoul, 27 April, 2004  United Nations Command (UNC) announced changes in the security and base support responsibilities at the Joint Security Area (JSA) near Panmunjom.  These changes, effective Oct 31, 2004, result from close consultation and mutual agreement between the Republic of Korea and the United States.  

The changes do not alter UNC authority over the JSA, command of United Nations Command Security Battalion-Joint Security Area, or authority over the southern portion of the Demilitarized Zone.  The long-standing commitment of the 15 UNC member nations, including the United States, to the maintenance of the Korean Armistice Agreement, and the security of the Republic of Korea (ROK) remains unyielding.  

The ROK will provide a larger percentage of the security and support personnel assigned to the United Nations Command Security Battalion-Joint Security Area at Camp Bonifas and Camp Liberty Bell, and installations supporting the JSA.  

"We embrace the ROK assuming a larger role in the JSA security and support roles as a positive accomplishment between our two nations," said Gen. Leon LaPorte, Commander, United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command, United States Forces Korea. "This is a great step forward in our alliance."

As a result of this change, about 100 Korean National positions partially funded by the U.S. will be affected.  "This command deeply appreciates the many years of loyal and faithful service that have been provided by Korean employees to the U.S. and ROK Soldiers in the JSA," said Gen. LaPorte.    

The affected Korean employees will have the opportunity to seek other positions on the peninsula with U.S. forces.