Dec. 17 (Asia Today) -- The United Nations Command issued an unusual public statement Tuesday opposing South Korea's ruling party push to enact legislation governing civilian access to the Demilitarized Zone, saying the Korean War Armistice Agreement gives the command authority to control entry to the area.
In a statement titled "Statement on the Authority and Procedures of the UN Command Military Armistice Commission," the UNC said Article 1, Paragraph 10 of the Armistice Agreement assigns responsibility for civilian administration and relief activities south of the Military Demarcation Line within the DMZ to the commander of the United Nations Command.
The UNC said the Military Armistice Commission manages the DMZ and supervises the movement and activities of both military personnel and civilians to ensure compliance with the armistice and preserve stability. It said Article 1, Paragraph 9 grants the United Nations Command authority to control access to the DMZ.
"Except for those engaged in civil administration and relief work, or those granted special permission by the Military Armistice Commission, no one, whether military or civilian, may enter the Demilitarized Zone," the statement said.
