Report: South Korea to extend stay in Iraq

[unhappycamper]

Report: South Korea to extend stay in Iraq
By Hyung-Jin Kim - The Associated Press
Posted : Sunday Oct 21, 2007 12:57:31 EDT

SEOUL — South Korea has decided to extend the deployment of its soldiers in Iraq for another year but plans to bring home half of the 1,200 troops by the end of this year, a news report said Sunday.

Quoting an unnamed government official, Yonhap news agency said the South Korean government plans to submit its proposal for the troop extension to the Cabinet and National Assembly this week for final approval.

The proposal reportedly includes a phrase setting the timing of the complete withdrawal of South Korean troops at late next year, Yonhap said.

President Bush asked for an extension at a meeting with South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun last month, saying the South Korean contingent in Iraq has a high reputation for its expertise and he wanted “continued cooperation” from Seoul, according to Roh’s office.

A Defense Ministry official said the South Korean government leans toward downsizing its troop strength in Iraq while extending their presence for another year.

“I heard some will be pulled out of Iraq,” the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity in line with ministry policy. “A completed plan will be submitted to the National Assembly within the week.”


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2007/10/ap_southkoreairaq_071021/