S. Korean president calls for bipartisan support for troop deployment in Iraq KUWAIT, March 20 (KUNA) -- South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun called on lawmakers Wednesday to provide bipartisan support for the government decision to send troops to Iraq.
In a meeting with lawmakers from the parliament's National Defense Committee at Cheong Wa Dae, Roh underlined the need to assist the United States in its Iraq endeavors, Korean Yonhap news agency said. Korean media reported that Seoul may deploy a technical support unit of 500 to 600 soldiers to the Gulf region but who would not fight.
Meanwhile, Yonhap said that the South Korean President will hold meetings with leaders of the ruling and opposition parties should war break out in Iraq to discuss the impact on inter-Korean relations and the country's economy.
He is also expected to convene a meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) should war commence in Iraq to examine security measures for Koreans choosing to remain in the region and to discuss the implications of the war on the national economy and security. (end) ha.bk KUNA 200022 Mar 03NNNN