Prime Minister Goh Kun, "Sending Guard Troops to Iraq is Necessary"

“It is absolutely necessary to send guard troops to Iraq under any circumstances in order to secure safety of our military forces in Baghdad,” said Prime Minister Goh Kun on November 28 regarding the issue of additional troop dispatch to Iraq.

In an interview with CBS Radio, Prime Minister Goh said, "The government is mulling over two options--sending troops focused on medical and engineering needs or sending special forces with an independent operation capability to secure a specific part of Iraq."

With this remark, he appeared to have retreated from his previous stance expressed during his invitation speech at Korea-based EU Chamber of Commerce that "the option of dispatching non-combat military forces such as medical and engineering troops has been ruled out considering Iraq`s situation and the U.S.’ request for Korean special troops to secure a specific zone in Iraq."

Goh added, "The relocation issue of Yongsan U.S. army base, Korea-U.S. Coalition office, and UN headquarters will be addressed by the end of this year."

When asked about his opinion on a confidence vote on the president, he responded, "The confidence vote should be held based on a political consensus. Since we haven`t reached that consensus, it seems technically impossible to hold a nation referendum on December 15 as scheduled," adding, "After a special probe of corruption allegations against the president`s aides is completed, President Roh will make his position clear on this issue accordingly."

Regarding the prosecutor`s investigation into illegitimate presidential campaign funds, Goh said, "I believe prosecutors should conduct a thorough investigation based on the law and principles. But I hope they will try to complete it as soon as possible."

Jong-Hoon Lee taylor55@donga.com