Seoul: The unification ministry stated on Thursday that the proposed bills granting the South Korean government authority over non-military access to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) do not violate the armistice agreement. The ministry emphasized that these bills require prior consultations with the United Nations Command (UNC).

According to Yonhap News Agency, the ministry's clarification followed the UNC's strong opposition to the bills, which it described as being "completely at odds" with the armistice that concluded the Korean War from 1950 to 1953. The ministry assured that ongoing discussions in parliament concerning DMZ-related bills involve necessary consultations with the UNC, ensuring compliance with the armistice.

The ministry expressed its commitment to cooperating on the DMZ access bills while respecting the legislative rights of the National Assembly. The bills, proposed by lawmakers from the ruling party, aim to empower the government to manage non-military access to the DMZ to encourage the peaceful utilization of the military buffer zone that separates North and South Korea.

Despite the U.S.-led UNC's objections, citing its administrative role over the DMZ under the armistice, the unification ministry has maintained its support for the legislation. Unification Minister Chung Dong-young reiterated his backing, asserting that the bills align with the armistice.

Addressing potential concerns about the impact of differing views between the ministry and the UNC on South Korea-U.S. relations, Minister Chung confidently stated that it would not affect bilateral ties.