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.

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Full Text
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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

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ATTACHMENT I: Cost Estimates on the Zaytun Troop Renewal and
Cut
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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

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ATTACHMENT II: Financing Plan for the Zaytun Troop Renewal
and Cut
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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