WASHINGTON, October 24 (RIA Novosti) - The United States will not turn over control of military operations to the Republic of Korea in 2015 as previously scheduled, US Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel stated.
"While this agreement will delay the scheduled transfer of operational control, it will ensure that the transfer does occur when the Korean forces have the necessary capabilities to address the defined North Korean threat," Hagel said Thursday speaking at press conference after the 46th United States-Republic of Korea Security Consultative Meeting.
Hagel said the reason for the delay was due to the "unstable North Korea", continuing to launch new types of provocations including an additional nuclear test.
"North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs require our alliance to maintain robust and credible deterrents," Hagel said.
Hagel went on to say the US would maintain troop numbers and military capacity on the Korean peninsula.
Hagel and Korean Minister of National Defense Han Min-koo took to the podium at the Pentagon to make the announcement jointly.
"The security situation on the Korean peninsula is more precarious that ever," Min-koo said.
According to the US Department of Defense, the completion of the transfer of military power could take place in 2020 if the situation with North Korea improves.
The US has maintained military control in South Korea for more than 60 years.
