SOUTH KOREAN PARLIAMENT APPROVES EXTENSION OF

UNCLAS SEOUL 004376 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS LCC SEOUL SEOUL KOREA PLEASE PASS TO J2, J5 AND SCJS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PARM PREL KS SUBJECT: SOUTH KOREAN PARLIAMENT APPROVES EXTENSION OF TROOPS IN IRAQ ¶1. (SBU) SUMMARY: As the ROKG proposed on December 22, 2006, the National Assembly approved a bill to extend, but reduce, ROK troop presence in Iraq. The number of troops stationed in Erbil will be reduced from 2300 to 1200 by the end of April 2007. According to the Ministry of National Defense (MND),Office of Overseas Troop Dispatch, approximately 1100 troops will return to Korea and about 650 troops will be dispatched by March 5, 2007. A second troop rotation of a similar size is scheduled for late April 2007. According to the enacted proposal, the reduced unit will remain in Erbil until December 2007, focusing on reconstruction efforts. The bill also called for a plan to "successfully conclude" the Zaytun unit's mission within 2007. 114 out of 190 lawmakers approved the bill, while 60 opposed and 16 abstained. See para 2 for the full text of the enacted legislation. END SUMMARY. -------------- Full Text -------------- ¶2. (U) Pursuant to the Constitution of the ROK Article 60, Paragraph 2, the National Assembly of the ROK agrees to extend the Zaytun troop dispatch for one year from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2007, and to reduce the troop size. ¶I. Purpose and progress of the dispatch ¶A. Purpose: To contribute to world peace and stability and pursue a solid development of the ROK-US alliance, by, as a peace-loving nation, participating in an international solidarity efforts supporting peace consolidation and reconstruction of Iraq. ¶B. Progress: ¶1. Initial dispatch September 2003 The US called for an additional dispatch of the ROK troops to Iraq December 2003 Tabled at the Cabinet meeting, approved, and signed by the President February 2004 Passed the NA at its 245th plenary session August 2004 Advance team of 329 people arrived in Kuwait September 2004 First batch of Zaytun troops (a total of 3566 people) was dispatched--Including Air Force air transportation corps 153 people deployed on October 2004) ¶2. 1st renewal: December 2004 Passed the NA at its 251st plenary session (Renewal period: January 2005 to December 2005) April 2005 Cut troop size to 3278, when replacing with the second batch ¶3. 2nd renewal: December 2005 Passed the NA at its 257th plenary session (Period: January 2006 to December 2006) April 2006 Cut troop size to 2278, when replacing with the 4th and 5th batches ¶4. 3rd renewal: November 2006 Approved at the Cabinet meeting November 2006 Signed by the President II. Basic plan ¶A. Renewal period: January 2007 to December 2007(1 year) ¶B. Troop size: Within 2300 people ¶C. Mission: Consolidate peace and assist reconstruction in the area under the troops' responsibility in Iraq ¶D. Troop command: ROK military will have the right of command; Local commander will have the OPCON. ¶E. Location of facilities & equipment: The current location will be where the troops will be stationed basically; but if necessary, may be adjusted in consideration of the troops' safety and its execution of mission, in consultation with the US and/or the coalition forces' integrated command structure. III. Reduction plan ¶A. Conclude troop reduction by the end of April 2007 to 1200 level ¶B. Establish a plan during 2007 on successfully concluding the Zaytun troops' mission, in comprehensive consideration of the political situation in Iraq and the circumstances in other troop dispatching countries IV. Budget estimates ¶A. Budget estimates for 2007: 86.2 billion won ¶B. Budget action: Reflected in FY2007 general accounting budget -------------- - ATTACHMENT I: Cost Estimates on the Zaytun Troop Renewal and Cut -------------- - ¶3. (U) Summary: ¶A. Expense-causing factor: Troop dispatch costs are to be paid by the ROKG. ¶B. Grounds for cost estimates: The Bill on Zaytun Troop Renewal and Cut - Zaytun Division Renewal period: 1 year Troop size: Cut to 1200 level by the end of April 2007 (currently 2112) - Daiman Unit Renewal period: 1 year Troop size: Maintain the current level (175) ¶C. Outcome of cost estimate Unit: Billion won Year: 2007 Expenses: ¶1. Zaytun operation maintenance cost: 63.6 Zaytun withdrawal cost: 14.6 Daiman operation maintenance cost: 7.671 Daiman withdrawal cost: .259 Subtotal: 86151 ¶2. Total cost: 86 ¶D. Troop opinion: The equipment/support withdrawal cost during the 2006 troop cut was used as a reference in the cost estimate for troop withdrawal, and the unit price for FY2007 budget was applied. ¶E. Drafted by: Lt.Col. Lee Hoon-ki, International Policy Team, MND -------------- - ATTACHMENT II: Financing Plan for the Zaytun Troop Renewal and Cut -------------- - ¶4. (U) A. Plan on the Sharing of Financing by Category Unit: Billion won Year: 2007 Central government: 86 General accounting budget: 86 ¶B. Details for financing method The budget for the Zaytun troop renewal and cut is reflected in the FY2007 general accounting defense budget bill (amount: 94 billion million won). VERSHBOW