South Korea Stresses Need to Reinstate 2018 North Korea Pact

(MENAFN) South Korean Defense Minister nominee Ahn Gyu-back emphasized the importance of reinstating a suspended inter-Korean military de-escalation pact, according to a local news agency on Wednesday. The move comes as the newly formed government works to improve strained relations with North Korea.

"For the sake of sustainable peace on the Korean Peninsula, it is necessary to ease inter-Korean military tension and establish trust," Ahn said in a written response to a question posed by main opposition People Power Party lawmaker Kang Dae-sik regarding the restoration of the 2018 agreement.

The pact, designed to reduce military hostilities between the two Koreas, was completely halted in June of last year under President Yoon Suk Yeol’s administration. The suspension followed a series of provocations from the North, including waves of trash-filled balloon launches and repeated efforts to interfere with GPS systems near South Korea's border islands.

"Considering the impact on military operations and a comprehensive review, I will seek a direction that practically contributes to easing inter-Korean military tensions and establishing trust," Ahn added.

Ahn, a former lawmaker and the first civilian in over six decades to be tapped for the defense minister role, was appointed by President Lee Jae-myung. Traditionally, the position has been filled by retired military generals. The National Assembly is set to convene his confirmation hearing on July 15.

Addressing recent calls from the United States urging its allies to boost defense budgets to 5% of their GDP, Ahn stated that South Korea would independently evaluate the proposal.
"It is a matter we will decide on upon comprehensively reviewing the security environment and the government's fiscal circumstances," he said.

In a related development, South Korea’s ruling Democratic Party (DP) announced plans to advance a revised bill that would prohibit anti-North Korea leaflet campaigns. The legislation is expected to be submitted for a vote during the ongoing parliamentary session.

This initiative supports President Lee’s commitment to stopping such propaganda efforts, including the use of loudspeakers along the border. Last month, he directed authorities to take legal action against anyone involved in sending anti-Pyongyang leaflets, cautioning that these unauthorized activities place civilians at risk and escalate military tensions on the peninsula.

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