Seoul: The American-led U.N. Command (UNC) has raised objections to a legislative proposal that seeks to grant the South Korean government control over non-military access to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), emphasizing its current role as the "administrator" of this military buffer zone between North and South Korea.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the UNC issued a rare, detailed statement in response to a bill proposed by ruling party lawmakers earlier this year. This bill aims to give the South Korean government the authority to regulate non-military access to the DMZ, with the intention of promoting the peaceful use of the zone. The UNC highlighted its historical role since 1953 in maintaining stability in the area, especially during times of heightened inter-Korean tensions.

The statement from the U.S.-led multinational force referenced Article 1 of the armistice agreement, which outlines the responsibilities of the UNC chief, who also serves as the commander of the U.S. Forces Korea. This article grants control of access to the UNC Military Armistice Commission. The UNC reiterated that civil administration and relief efforts in the southern part of the DMZ are under the purview of the United Nations Command, and only authorized personnel are allowed entry.

While the UNC acknowledged the significant role played by the South Korean military in the administration of the DMZ, it reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the Armistice and stability on the Korean Peninsula, expressing hope for a permanent peace treaty.

The issue of DMZ access control gained attention when Unification Minister Chung Dong-young highlighted the necessity of the proposed bill after a senior presidential security official and Cardinal Lazzaro You Heung-sik were denied access to the zone. The unification ministry supports the legislation, arguing that it relates to "territorial sovereignty," despite facing objections from the foreign and defense ministries, as well as the UNC, which maintains that the armistice agreement remains the "binding framework" for access control.

In response to the UNC's statement, the unification ministry has announced plans to consult with the command in partnership with other government ministries, acknowledging the UNC's contributions to peacekeeping at the DMZ. The ministry argues that the armistice agreement is primarily military in nature and does not preclude the peaceful use of the DMZ, reinforcing its support for the bill.

The UNC has reportedly also expressed its concerns during a recent meeting with the chief of the Ministry of Government Legislation.