By Kim Yon-se
Staff Reporter
President Roh Moo-hyun cited the South Korea-United States alliance Tuesday as a key factor to seek the extension of the stay of Korean troops in Iraq for another year.
The government plans to submit to the National Assembly a bill on the extension of the Zaytun troop deployment early next month, government officials said.
Ahead of the Dec. 19 presidential election, the issue has become a hot potato and is about to develop into an ideological battle between candidates.
The pro-government United New Democratic Party (UNDP) and the main opposition Grand National Party (GNP) are divided over the issue.
UNDP nominee Chung Dong-young is against the plan, while GNP nominee Lee Myung-bak supports it.
The UNDP has 141 seats in the 299-member legislature, while the GNP has 127 seats
Democratic Labor Party (DLP) presidential nominee Kwon Young-ghil and Moon Kook-hyun, an independent, also oppose the plan. The DLP has nine seats.
The government plans to extend the deployment of the 1,200-strong troops of Zaytun Division in the northern Iraqi city of Irbil after reducing the number to 600-900, government sources said.
Members of progressive groups opposed the extension, saying that the plan will peace on the Korean Peninsula.
In his televised speech Tuesday, the President said, ``Now, close coordination with the U.S. is inevitable.''
He said, ``The solid South Korea-U.S. alliance ensures peace on the Korean Peninsula. Of all America's allies, Korea is the one which most closely cooperates with Washington in the economic and security sectors.''
Roh also apologized to the public. He said he and the government were sorry for breaking the promise made a year earlier that the Zaytun Division will be withdrawn by the end of 2007.
``I know opponents exceed that of supporters of the policy,'' Roh said. ``But I see more important issue is to make a choice required for the national interests.''
He stressed that about 12,000 soldiers from 26 countries are assisting the U.S.-led war in Iraq. However, more and more countries including Italy, Japan and Britain have already withdrawn or plan to pull out troops soon.
At a news briefing, presidential spokesman Cheon Ho-seon said, ``It is inappropriate to predict that the government will again extend the troop stay next year. There is something more important than keeping the promise in security and diplomatic affairs.''
He also downplayed the difference in stances between Roh and the pro-government UNDP.