Seoul, Washington Agree to Hold More Talks on SOFAThe United States agreed Thursday to transfer custody of United States Forces Korea (USFK) soldiers to South Korea at the time of indictment under ensured legal rights for the US suspects.The current SOFA stipulates US criminal suspects be handed over to South Korea after sentencing. The agreement, which was reached at the end of two-day meeting on the revision of the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) between South Korea and the United States, was carried in an eight-point joint statement. The two sides also agreed to discuss establishment of SOFA provisions on environmental protection and further deliberate all other issues discussed in the round of talks. "The two delegations explored ways to establish a new civil proceedings provision and avoid reporting traffic accidents as criminal violations," the statement said. Both sides agreed to hold the next round of talks in the United States before October. Items discussed at the meeting included the environment, granting and return of land and facilities, quarantine of animals and plants, working conditions for Korean employees of USFK, control of Korean nationals' access to USFK's Non-Appropriated Fund facilities, civil proceedings and the scope of persons covered under the SOFA. South Korea has been pushing for revision of the agreement which is seen a slant to favor the USFK in the country as many South Koreans believe that US soldiers enjoy preferential treatment after a series of incidents. The agreement was concluded amid strong anti-US sentiments in South Korea after the USFK had discharged poisonous chemicals formaldehyde into the Han River at its headquarters in downtwon Seoul and the US bombing practice in Maehyang-ri had caused great damage and wounds to the local residents. |
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