opinion ¢º

A short time ago, the Department of National Defense received a document, which was drawn up by the U.S. Armed Forces in Korea (USFK). It was a request to borrow some facilities at the new airport in Inchon for military purposes. But, they are already using a part of Kimpo International airport for this purpose and now they are requesting more facilities for their convenience. These kinds of actions are based on the ROK-US SOFA (Status Of Forces Agreement). So, many people are ashamed of the agreement believing it represents an unjust relationship with USFK.

The SOFA is an agreement that positions the lawful status of the USFK. According to international law, foreign forces generally abide by the law of the country in which they are stationed. An exception can be made only when the foreign forces have to perform a special duty in a country under a mutual agreement between two countries according to international law. However, SOFA as agreed between the ROK and the US shouldn't go further than just making certain accommodations to the U.S. Army; the current agreement practically forfeits the sovereignty of Korea.

Hong Sun-young, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, has made it clear to a revision to the unfair SOFA agreement must be made step by step. Many civic organizations, however, look at the gradual revision suspiciously with doubtful eyes as the authorities put on airs. The Ministry has already undertaken the gradual revision of SOFA in 1991, but nothing has changed. So, 127 civic organizations stand united in calling for an overall revision of the ROK-US SOFA because the government has persistently let them down. The Argus met Mun Jeong-hyun, a standing delegate of People's Action for Reform of the Unjust ROK-US SOFA Agreement, on his street where he was demonstrating in the direction of the American Embassy.

Reporter: You have participated in a movement for revision of the unjust SOFA. What is the significance of this movement?

Mun: If you look at the agreement, USFK should stay to protector the weak S.K. against the enemy. South Korea, however, now has been increasing its own defense capability and now has the power to defend itself. Nevertheless, there has been no change in the Status of Forces Agreement for the past 50 years. Meanwhile, the number of crimes committed by U.S. soldiers increase by the week. The environmental pollution around the camps has intensified and of course there is no such regulation restricting such actions in SOFA. All we hope is to hold a meeting between Korea and USFK to revise SOFA, an unfair agreement. If our government only shows benevolence this time, we won't even be able to recover our lost sovereignty. And, foreign military forces must withdraw from every country. The USFK is no exception. We know that foreign forces are sacrificing their lives and bearing all costs, except in a few exceptional cases perhaps. We only know of the inequality and injustice committed by foreign forces. Therefore, the USFK should agree to withdraw from this land unless they agree to revise SOFA completely.

R: What are some particular problems caused by the USFK?

M: There have been too many problems for them who are protected by SOFA. First, they haven't paid for using the facilities, the ground forces, nor the taxes on the import of goods from abroad. It violates the international law. Our sovereignty has been infringed on. Secondly, the agreement doesn't contain any provision concerning environmental pollution around the camps. Camp Kunsan is a case in point. The West Sea suffered fatigue due to excessive waste from the camp. Many people also complained of pain as a result of loud explosions from U.S. air-force bombing runs. Finally, they don't have lawful responsibility in Korea even though they commit crimes as serious as murder. Under SOFA, the suspect was sent to their home country. But, most of them are released on account of insufficient evidence. This is the reason to crime has increased among U.S. soldiers.

R: We know that no one could have a meeting within 100 meters of the Embassy by law. Didn't you have any problems during the meeting of 'People's Action for Reform of Unjust ROK-US Agreement'?

M: Of course. In spite of the fact that the law is a bad law, we had to stage the rally 100m away from the American Embassy. The result, however, was only a containment tactic on the part of the Korean police. The reason for this action was to curry favor with America. At last, the meeting was closed briefly. We thought that more attention against the unreasonable actions of the Korean government was needed actually.

R: Would you tell me about what you think the preferable revisions to SOFA are?

M: There are several provisions in need of revision: ¡ã A complete guarantee of the Korean government's jurisdiction concerning criminal investigations and the execution of sentences. ¡ã Establishing terms for claims on damage incurred by U.S. soldiers. ¡ã Contracting a lease between ROK and the U.S. and collecting fees for using military camps. ¡ã Establishing human rights and labor rights of Korean laborers working in the U.S. camps. ¡ã Providing preventive measures against smuggling and illegal outflow from the U.S. military post exchange. ¡ã A revised law must include other measures abolishing special privileges of the USFK. These are the minimal requirements and  demands necessary to reclaim our nation's sovereignty.

R: . Do you have any other plans for revising the unjust agreement?

M: Every country in which the USFK is stationed, has SOFA. So, we held meetings with Japanese and Filipino people committed to overthrowing the unjust SOFA. And, we are pushing for international solidarity against the unfair foreign policy of the U.S. Government. They should agree to the revision of the unjust SOFA ad pay for damages caused by U.S. Forces in foreign lands.

By Jeon Kyu-man