It is controversial that the Ministry of National Defense notified that politicians were unable to attend the 6th Seohae Protection Day event scheduled to be held on the 26th, and the 46th soldier of the Cheonan ship, due to the fact that it is a period of the re-election campaign.
Ministry of Defense “Limited to election campaign period”
Ha “What does memorial service have to do with politics?”
Yoo “I’m angry with North Korea’s passports.”
On the 23rd, Congressman Ha Tae-kyung said, “It wasn’t just that former CEO Seung-min Yoo was denied attending the Cheonan Memorial Service”. “Is this really me?” he criticized.
Congressman Ha stressed, “What does it have to do with politics to commemorate the dead and comfort the bereaved family, saying, “It is not during the election campaign period.
Previously, on the 22nd, former CEO Yoo also posted a post on his Facebook page, saying, “I feel angry that the ruling forces that are trying to match North Korea’s notices and mischief are even blocking memorial services to the soldiers of the West Sea Guard.”
He said, “The Ministry of National Defense has given instructions to prevent politicians from attending in order to maintain the political neutrality of the military ahead of the re-election and by-election.” It is such a pathetic idea,” he criticized.
“The Day of the West Sea Protection is a day to commemorate the soldiers who died while defending the Republic of Korea against the North’s provocation from the Cheonan bombing, the 2nd Yeonpyeong Sea Battle, and the Yeonpyeong Island shelling. Won’t you?” he pointed out.
Regarding this, military officials said, “Politicians are restricted from entering the unit during the election period (March 25 to April 7) according to the Election Act.” “We had to apply these rules.” He said, “I explained the situation and asked for understanding.”
According to the Ministry of National Defense’s’Unit Management Order’, it is not allowed to allow politicians (groups) to visit troops officially or informally during the election period, other than visiting soldiers and consoling patients. Also, politicians cannot be invited to incidental events.
Reporters Kim Sang-jin and Han Young-hye [email protected]
