Joint Statement of The Korea-U.S. Integrated Defense Dialogue

It is too bad we missed the opportunity to perhaps reverse the dissolution of the ROK/US Combined Forces Command.  On the other hand such a decision will most likely have to be made at the Presidential level so the words below are likely simply boilerplate.  But we the north Koreans have presented an opportunity for the Alliance to get things right on this so-called transformation.  

The U.S. and the ROK reaffirmed their comprehensive strategy to strengthen the alliance for years to come, including achieving the transition of wartime operational control and USFK base relocation by their planned timeline.  In addition, the two sides will maintain close cooperation in developing the future command structure and combined operational plans, and ensuring ROK critical military capabilities and U.S. bridging and enduring capabilities.

V/R Dave

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From: "DoD News" <dodnews@subscriptions.dod.mil>

Date: February 22, 2013, 19:32:04 EST

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Subject: Joint Statement of The Korea-U.S. Integrated Defense Dialogue

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You are subscribed to News Releases for U.S. Department of Defense. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Joint Statement of The Korea-U.S. Integrated Defense Dialogue 02/22/2013 06:20 PM CST IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. 105-13 February 22, 2013 Joint Statement of The Korea-U.S. Integrated Defense Dialogue             The Department of Defense and Republic of Korea (ROK) Ministry of Defense held the Korea-U.S. Integrated Defense Dialogue Feb. 21-22 in Washington, D.C.  The biannual KIDD, which was formally established during the October 2011 Security Consultative Meeting in Seoul, is the umbrella framework for various U.S.-ROK bilateral initiatives, including the Extended Deterrence Policy Committee, the Strategic Alliance 2015 Working Group, and the Security Policy Initiative.              Over the course of the two-day KIDD, ROK Deputy Minister Lim Kwan-bin met with Under Secretary of Defense for Policy James Miller, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asian and Pacific Affairs Mark Lippert, and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for East Asia David Helvey.  The results of the meetings are as follows:              The two sides agreed that the North Korean nuclear test was a highly provocative act that, following its December 2012 missile launch, undermines regional stability, violates North Korea's obligations under numerous United Nations Security Council resolutions, contravenes its commitments under the Sept. 19, 2005 Joint Statement of the Six-Party Talks, and increases the risk of proliferation.  In addition, the two sides affirmed the view, expressed at the January 2013 United States-Republic of Korea-Japan Defense Trilateral Talks in Tokyo, that if North Korea carries out any further provocations, it will bear responsibility for the consequences it will face for disregarding the overwhelming views of the international community.  Finally, the two sides addressed immediate, coordinated actions and agreed to continue the close collaboration within the alliance in response to the recent North Korean provocations and the North's unacceptable pursuit of nuclear and missile capabilities.              The two sides discussed ways to strengthen the combined defense posture to defend the Republic of Korea and to deter North Korean aggression and provocations, including planning for the transition to a ROK-led combined defense, continuing combined exercises, and enhancing combined alliance capabilities.  The two sides also reaffirmed U.S. defense commitments to provide and strengthen extended deterrence for the ROK, including the full range of military capabilities:  the U.S. nuclear umbrella, conventional strike, and missile defense.  Through the Extended Deterrence Policy Committee, the two countries will continue to develop a bilateral tailored deterrence strategy that refines alliance response measures for North Korean nuclear and WMD threat scenarios.               The two sides also addressed various areas of alliance cooperation, including cyber and space cooperation, regional and global cooperation, missile defense, and C4I interoperability.  As the two nations celebrate the 60thanniversary of the U.S.-ROK alliance this year, they committed to developing a future-oriented strategic alliance that meets the challenges of the 21stcentury.              The U.S. and the ROK reaffirmed their comprehensive strategy to strengthen the alliance for years to come, including achieving the transition of wartime operational control and USFK base relocation by their planned timeline.  In addition, the two sides will maintain close cooperation in developing the future command structure and combined operational plans, and ensuring ROK critical military capabilities and U.S. bridging and enduring capabilities. U.S. Department of Defense Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) On the Web: http://www.defense.gov/releases/ Media Contact: +1 (703) 697-5131/697-5132 Public Contact: http://www.defense.gov/landing/questions.aspx or +1 (703) 428-0711 +1 Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your User Profile Page. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please e-mail support@govdelivery.com. Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense