Defense minister: ‘OPCON transfer not an issue of military sovereignty’

Defense minister: ‘OPCON transfer not an issue of military sovereignty’. October. 28, 2014 08:24. .

The ruling and main opposition parties had intense dispute over another postponement of wartime operational control (OPCON) transfer at parliamentary inspection of the Defense Ministry by the National Defense Committee on Monday.

Rep. Moon Jae-in of the New Politics Alliance for Democracy said, “Don’t you feel ashamed of the situation where South Korea cannot exercise OPCON even 60 years after the Korean War,” adding, “Indefinite postponement of OPCON transfer constitutes give-up of national sovereignty, and is no different from the defense ministry admitting to its incompetence by itself.” Rep. Ahn Kyu-baek of the same party said, “Does our military lack confidence in bringing back OPCON?” in blasting Defense Minister Han Min-koo.

In the face of verbal bombardment by the opposition party, the ruling Saenuri Party emphasized practical threat from North Korea.

Rep. Han Ki-ho of the Saenuri Party refuted the opposition party’s claims, saying, “After the incumbent government’s announcement of election pledge to regain OPCON, security situation has completely changed with the North conducting a third nuclear test, and Pyongyang capable to miniaturizing nuclear warheads, but the main opposition is insisting that it constitutes discarding of the election pledge.” Rep. Kim Se-yeon of the party said, “It is exaggeration in reasoning process to identify OPCON meaning the right to control military operation as military sovereignty and overall authority in military encompassing logistics, administration and training.” Rep. Kim Seong-chan said, “Discussing OPCON transfer with emotional language is no different from following the North’s propaganda and instigation.”

On the escalation of another OPCON transfer, whose definite schedule is not decided, into controversy over alleged give-up of military sovereignty, Minister Han refuted by saying, “I don’t think (another OPCON transfer is) a shame, and it is an effort to prepare for a war with the most efficient joint defense system possible.” He also said, “The issue of OPCON transfer is not a matter of military sovereignty, and the government’s commitment to regaining OPCON is solid.”