|
In an unprecedented official reaction to reports that U.S. Deputy Under Secretary of Defense Richard Lawless harangued Korean officials over the future of the alliance between the two countries, the Pentagon said Thursday the alliance was still a life-or-death matter for their national interests. It said the U.S. firmly intended to bolster Korea's defense, regional security and stability.
Reports had quoted Lawless as telling Seoul it no longer mattered to U.S. national interest, and threatening that the U.S. Forces in Korea could be withdrawn if Korea fails to back a new role for the forces as a kind of regional flying squad.
But Defense Department spokesman Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Hicks refused to confirm or deny that Lawless made the comments, saying it was standard practice not to repeat what was said during confidential meetings between high-ranking officials.
(englishnews@chosun.com )
|
