South Korea suspends 2018 military alliance with North Korea over balloon incidents

SEOUL, June 3 (Bernama-Yonhap) — South Korea’s presidential National Security Council (NSC) decided on Monday to suspend the 2018 inter-Korean military pact until mutual trust with North Korea is restored.

This decision follows the recent incidents in North Korea in which garbage balloons were sent to South Korea, according to Yonhap news agency.

The NSC meeting, chaired by Deputy National Security Advisor Kim Tae Hyo, highlighted that North Korea’s actions pose a real threat to the South Korean people and also have a negative impact on the military’s readiness.

“This measure will allow military exercises near the military demarcation line, which were previously prohibited by the agreement, and thus enable more appropriate and rapid responses to North Korean provocations.”

“We have decided to submit a proposal to suspend the entire effectiveness of the September 19 military agreement until mutual trust between the two Koreas is restored,” the presidential office said.

He added that the government is determined to take all necessary measures to protect the lives and safety of its citizens.

Since Thursday, North Korea has sent nearly 1,000 balloons filled with garbage to the South in retaliation for South Korean activists sending propaganda leaflets denouncing the North Korean regime.

Although no human casualties were reported, some balloons caused property damage, including a broken windshield.

The 2018 agreement, which was intended to reduce tensions along the border, was effectively abandoned after North Korea conducted live artillery firing exercises near the western border islands in January.

— BERNAMA-YONHAP

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