Allies decide to end Key Resolve, Foal Eagle exercises to back diplomacy for N.K. denuclearization

SEOUL, March 3 (Yonhap) -- South Korea and the United States have decided to end their springtime Key Resolve and Foal Eagle combined exercises to back diplomacy for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, Seoul's defense ministry said Sunday.

Seoul's Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo and acting U.S. Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan made the decision during their telephone conversation on Saturday.

Though the exercises will end, the allies will maintain a firm military readiness through a new command post exercise and adjusted field maneuvers, the ministry said in a press release.

"The minister and secretary made clear that the alliance's decision regarding the adjustment of the execise and drills reflects both countries' expectation to back diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and achieve the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula through a final, full verified method," the ministry said.

sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)