South Korea to pay 6.6% more for US troops
South Korea and the United States finally agreed that South Korea will pay 6.6% more for the US troops stationed in the nation. They have negotiated six times to strike a deal to increase the Korean share of the cost of American troops stationed there. The South has to pay a total of 725.5 billion won ($780 million) next year.
Cho Yong Tae from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said yesterday, “We had six-rounds of negotiations, but we did not reach an agreement. However, the US accepted our suggestion yesterday,” adding, “I think that it is the most reasonable result based on the spirit of the Seoul and Washington alliance.”
South Korea will contribute 45.1 million won more than last year, which will be paid for Korean employees working at US bases. A government source says that the two sides have to negotiate again next year for 2008.
At the sixth round of talks, the US demanded equitable sharing of military expenses, but the South rejected the US demand, claiming that the number of US troops to be stationed in South Korea was cut for next year. Currently, South Korea contributes 42% of the expenses.
To eliminate any factors that could impact the negotiations of sharing defense in the political arena, both governments are supposed to set a stable system. Currently, there is only the National Assembly’s approval for the agreement to
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 / 입력시간: 2006. 12.09. 12:28
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