美국무부 "한일군사정보협정 연장 전적 지지…비핵화 중요수단"<br /><br />The U.S. reportedly wants South Korea and Japan to extend a three-year agreement between the neighboring nations that allows their militaries to share information.<br />The deal is due for renew, but remains in limbo amid strained Seoul-Tokyo relations.<br />Our Kim Ji-yeon has more.<br />Seoul's defense ministry said Friday... that in principle, it will maintain the General Security of Military Information Agreement or GSOMIA, a deal it signed with Tokyo to share military information.<br />While revoking it would be a drastic step, the ministry said it's contemplating an array of issues including the agreement's effectiveness.<br />Following GSOMIA, which was signed in November of 2016, a ministry official said Japan has provided Seoul with data gathered by Japan's satellites... regarding North Korea's nuclear weapons and missiles.<br />Meanwhile, of the three levels of South Korean military's classified information system,... Seoul has been disclosing levels two and three to Japan.<br />The U.S. State Department has reportedly said it fully supports South Korea and Japan extending their GSOMIA.<br />According to Voice of America, an official at the State Department spokesperson's office said by e-mail that GSOMIA is an important part of achieving the final, fully, verified denuclearization of North Korea... as well as maintaining peace and prosperity in Asia.<br />The State Department also said that GSOMIA shows the maturity of South Korea and Japan's security relationship... and helps their joint efforts with the U.S. on denuclearization.<br />But speculations are rising that South Korea could review whether to renew GSOMIA or let it expire.<br />South Korean opposition lawmaker Shim Sang-jung, with the minor Justice Party, quoted National Security Advisor Chung Eui-yong... following Thursday's meeting between President Moon Jae-in and the leaders of the main five political parties, that the government has a position to maintain GSOMIA... but that it can be reconsidered in accordance with relevant circumstances.<br />"If Seoul does not want to extend the bilateral agreement, it has to notify Tokyo by August 24th... otherwise, it'll be automatically extended for another year.<br />Kim Ji-yeon, Arirang News."<br />
