Three South Korean lawmakers left for Iraq Friday to study the situation surrounding Korean troops, as the deadline looms on whether to withdraw them in December.
The weeklong visit is planned "to study the situation in Iraq and boost the morale of our soldiers who are enhancing our national glory," said Rep. Chang Young-dal, floor leader of the pro-government Uri Party. Chang will be accompanied by Rep. Noh Young-min of the Uri Party and Chung Jin-suk, floor leader of the People First Party.
Chang's report will help shape the Uri Party's decision on the pullout, he said.
South Koreans are polarized over the future of the military division stationed in Irbil, a Kurdish-controlled city in northern Iraq.
The 1,200 Korean soldiers, the third-largest force in the U.S.-led coalition, are set to withdraw by the end of the year, but Seoul is reconsidering the pullout plan following repeated requests from the U.S. to have them stay.
The Defense Ministry is expected to submit a timetable for the pullout of the Zaytun Division to the National Assembly by September, which will then be put to a vote.
Chang's report on the trip will help shape the Uri Party's stance on the pullout, he said.
South Korean opinions are polarized over the future of the division stationed in Irbil, a Kurdish-controlled city in northern Iraq.
Those who support extending its mission cite economic benefits such as Korean ventures possibly making inroads in Iraq. Opponents say the soldiers have no reason to stay in a war which faces growing skepticism, even in the U.S.
The Zaytun Division has been assisting in the reconstruction of the Kurdish region since 2004. Its mandate will expire at the end of this year unless the ministry gets parliamentary approval for an extension.
The lawmakers will return July 14.