SEOUL -- South Korea has announced that it will not work with the U.S. military to update a special-operations plan that would go into effect if North Korea suddenly collapsed, leaving a power vacuum in a communist nation with one of the world's largest military forces.
Code-named ?OPLAN 5029-05,? the plan contains "inappropriate contents, and many parts of the plan might become a serious restraint to sovereignty," according to a release Friday by South Korea's National Security Council.
The U.S. military was informed of the decision in January, it said. U.S. officials declined comment. "As a matter of policy, the United States does not discuss matters relating to operational plans," said David Oten, chief of public information for U.S. Forces Korea.
Several South Korean newspapers reported that under the plan, the U.S. military would be in control if an emergency erupted in North Korea resulting from a revolt or mass defections. Under the allies' current agreement, the U.S. Forces Korea commander, now Army Gen. Leon J. LaPorte, would assume control of all fighting forces, including South Korean.
The move adds to a growing atmosphere of discontent between the South Korean and U.S. militaries. Soon, the two allies will sign an agreement that sharply reduces South Korea's contribution to the stationing of U.S. forces in the next two years.
Excerpted
Doha, Qatar, Apr. 18 (UPI) -- Al Jazeera's Tehran bureau was told Monday to temporarily suspend its activities, the Qatar-based network announced. <
Excerpted (copyright)
http://www.washtimes.com/upi-breaking/20050418-034604-6430r.htm