By Kang Seung-woo
Representatives of Korea and the United States met Wednesday in Seoul for the sixth round of negotiations on how to share the costs of funding the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) for the upcoming five years.
The two-day talks ― the Special Measure Agreement (SMA) meeting ― pitted Hwang Joon-kook, Korea's top negotiator, against his U.S. counterpart Eric John.
Through the previous five negotiations, the two sides remained apart over Seoul's financial contribution to keeping American troops on the Korean Peninsula.
However, with the deadline of the latest five-year SMA set for the end of the year fast approaching, hammering out an immediate deal is imperative, in order to avoid any potential prevent any potential hiccups with the USFK.
Since 1991, South Korea has partially borne the cost of stationing U.S. troops under the SMA for Korean civilians hired by the USFK; the construction of military facilities to maintain the allies' readiness; the combined defense improvement project; and other logistical support.
At issue in the latest talks are what is considered to be an appropriate share and ways to improve the overall system to prevent the misuse of funds contributed by Korea.
Especially, the Korean government has made efforts in the latter, but to no avail.
According to Defense Ministry data, the USFK is sitting on an unused 1 trillion won ($941 million) paid by Korea. The government is trying to change the USFK plan to use the money for the 2nd Infantry Division to Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province.
Under the 2004 land partnership plan covering the USFK relocation, the U.S. agreed to finance the relocation of its combat division on its own, but according to media reports and lawmakers, it has used part of the defense funds from Seoul to bankroll the relocation of bases.
However, the U.S. side is reportedly opposed to the Korean request, maintaining the current system.
The two sides have failed to narrow their differences on the issue of increasing Korea's share.
The U.S. government is demanding that Korea expand its annual payment to 1 trillion won to share the total costs to 50 to 50 for each side, citing growing North Korean threats, while the South wants to keep the current level. It paid 869.5 billion won this year.
Given the time needed for domestic procedures, including National Assembly approval, the two sides need to find a middle ground by December.
"We will try our best to reflect what Korean people and the National Assembly want in the negotiations," Hwang said ahead of the meeting.
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