Republic of South Africa to Rejoin UNC  
YONGSAN GARRISON, SEOUL, Republic of Korea -- The Republic of South Africa will officially rejoin United Nations Command on Nov. 23, 2010, becoming UNC’s 16^th participating member nation.

             There will be an Honor Guard ceremony recognizing the return of South Africa as an active participant in United Nations Command at Knight Field on Army Garrison Yongsan on Nov. 23 at 9:45 a.m. UNC sending state ambassadors will be in attendance.

             “We welcome the Republic of South Africa’s decision to rejoin UNC and are thankful for their support,” said General Walter Sharp, UNC commander.  “By becoming an active member of the United Nations Command, the Republic of South Africa is signaling to the world their support for the Republic of Korea.”  

             Under the Armistice Agreement, the Commander, United Nations Command is responsible for maintaining a complete cessation of hostilities by the forces under his command.   

             Until the Armistice Agreement is superseded by a peace agreement, the UNC will monitor and supervise this compliance and endeavor to resolve, through negotiations, any violation of the Armistice Agreement.

             The Republic of South Africa actively fought in defense of the Republic of Korea during the Korean War, contributing an Air Force fighter squadron that flew a total of 12,067 sorties and lost 34 pilots and 96 aircraft.  Eight South Africans became prisoners of war.

             “Considering their heroic efforts in the Korean War, I can’t think of a better time for the Republic of South Korea to rejoin UNC than during the 60^th Anniversary of that war,” said General Sharp.  “They will join the 15 other nations of UNC as an equal partner in ensuring peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.”

             Media interested in attending the event should contact UNC PAO at 02-7913-4668.