Assembly panel advances ratification bill for USFK cost-sharing deal
SEOUL, Aug. 23 (Yonhap) -- The parliamentary committee on foreign affairs on Monday passed a ratification motion for a new South Korea-U.S. cost-sharing deal for the U.S. troop presence here.
The two countries reached the so-called Special Measures Agreement in March after 1 1/2 years of tough negotiations.
Under the new arrangement, effective until 2025, Seoul will pay 1.183 trillion won (US$1.009 billion) this year, up 13.9 percent from last year, for the upkeep of the 28,500-strong U.S. Forces Korea (USFK).
South Korea's payment will also be adjusted reflecting the increase rate of the national defense budget over the next four years.
Members of the ruling Democratic Party and the main opposition People Power Party in the committee supported the bill. Two others -- a minor opposition lawmaker and an independent -- abstained, saying the increase rate is unreasonable.
The panel attached its opinion to the bill, expressing regret about the increased burden of South Korea and calling for improvement in future negotiations.
The bill is subject to a vote at the National Assembly's plenary session.
(END)
-
(Yonhap Interview) Fintech startup AIM aims to bring professional wealth services to ordinary investors
-
Pelosi to meet Nat'l Assembly speaker amid heightened regional tensions over Taiwan visit
-
(2nd LD) PPP schedules national committee meetings to approve transition to emergency leadership
-
(2nd LD) Kim, Pelosi agree to support efforts for denuclearization of N. Korea
-
(LEAD) Assembly speaker meets with Pelosi amid heightened Sino-U.S. tensions
-
(Yonhap Interview) Fintech startup AIM aims to bring professional wealth services to ordinary investors
-
(2nd LD) Kim, Pelosi agree to support efforts for denuclearization of N. Korea
-
(LEAD) Assembly speaker meets with Pelosi amid heightened Sino-U.S. tensions
-
7 dead, 6 missing in heaviest rainfall in 80 years
-
(5th LD) 8 dead, 7 missing in record rainfall in Seoul, surrounding areas
-
N. Korea appears to release border dam water without prior notice: official
-
7 dead, 6 missing in heaviest rainfall in 80 years
-
(2nd LD) Central region suffers damage after heavy rain
-
(2nd LD) 7 dead, 6 missing in heaviest rainfall in 80 years
-
(LEAD) 7 dead, 6 missing in heaviest rainfall in 80 years