NCCK concerned about the Korea-US Joint Military drills

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Adm. Mike Mullen is shown a map of the Demilitarized Zone

The National Council of Churches in Korea has issued a statement requesting an end to the joint Ro Korea-US military drills. The statement reads:

The Unification Committee of the National Council of Churches in Korea is informed that the Key Resolve/Foal Eagle exercises will be continued for 2 months starting from today February 28th till the end of April.

Having declared of stopping military exercise by both North and South Korea within 40km from North and South border at the center of the demilitarized zone. this committee has expressed its deep concern and seriously urged as follows:

1. Both South and North Korea should temperate in any military exercises and psychological warfare within 40km north and south from the demilitarized zone. What South Korea resumed sending advocation paper and North Korea’s fierceful response to it as fire-shooting with direct target in Seoul are threatening peace on the Korean peninsula and highly raising possibility of war.

2. Both North and South Korea should stop in one accord every behavior and voices fostering military clashes and to move toward dialogue and negotiation. It will be a least responsibility and thoughtful consideration toward people who are suffering of wounds and fear of war.

February 28th, 2011

Rev. Kim Gi-Taeck

Chairperson of the Unification Committee