UNC OKs S. Koreans' border crossing for infra connection

Gen. Vincent K. Brooks, commander of United Nations Command and the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) at an event in Seoul on Wednesday / Yonhap

By Park Ji-won

The U.S.-led United Nations Command (UNC) authorized South Korea vehicles and personnel to cross the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) to support construction of communication infrastructure that will be used in inter-Korean business projects.

"Gen. Vincent K. Brooks, Commander of United Nations Command, authorized vehicles and personnel from the Republic of Korea to cross the Military Demarcation Line today in the eastern transportation corridor to support construction of communication infrastructure to be used between the Republic of Korea and North Korea," said the UNC press release, Thursday.

"The approval allows more material than what is needed to repair communication lines, and will result in the construction of a communication building."

The decisions came amid a reconciliatory mood ahead of the third inter-Korean talks on Sept. 18-20 where the leaders of the two Koreas will discuss specifics of the North's denuclearization process and possible economic assistance by the South.

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Meanwhile, the UNC has approved the South Korean government's request for its delegation to cross the border to participate in the opening ceremony of the liaison office in Gaeseong, more than 100 South Korean government officials trip on Saturday.

"UNC has and continues to actively enable all of the engagements between North and South Korea that require crossing the military demarcation line and the demilitarized zone, which are under the authority of UN Command," Brooks was quoted as saying by the UNC.

"While this request was unusual in the amount of construction material South Korea is carrying across, I am keen to ensure good communication infrastructure exists between the two sides as a way to prevent incidents or crises."

The UNC is also led by Gen. Brooks, the commander of the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK), which has wartime operational control (OPCON) of South Korea as well as authority to approve personnel and supplies crossing the MDL.