Seoul, Dec 28 (NationPress) The American-led United Nations Command (UNC) has asserted that the Military Demarcation Line (MDL), which delineates the boundary between the two Koreas, remains under its jurisdiction. This statement appears to counter an internal adjustment made by South Korea's military regarding land border regulations aimed at minimizing accidental confrontations with North Korea.

In a declaration to Yonhap News Agency, the UNC stated, "The United Nations Command reaffirms its commitment to upholding the Armistice Agreement, including the MDL, and to endorsing initiatives that avert escalation and foster stability within the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ)."

This announcement followed inquiries about the UNC's evaluation of the South Korean military's proposed amendments to border regulations, particularly after reports indicated that the Korean military had adjusted the MDL markers to alleviate discrepancies between both nations.

According to the UNC, "The Military Demarcation Line was established and illustrated in Map Volume I of the Korean Armistice Agreement on July 27, 1953, following extensive armistice discussions."

Last week, the Joint Chiefs of Staff of South Korea instructed troops to prioritize markers indicating the MDL when making operational decisions, while also applying the South Korean military map alongside a line connecting MDL markers defined by the UNC in instances where they are challenging to identify.

Critics argue that this move favors North Korean forces by allowing military personnel to refer to a line positioned further south in determining whether a border breach has taken place.

Regarding Seoul's recent proposal for military discussions with Pyongyang, the UNC emphasized that dialogues concerning the MDL should occur "under the auspices of the command," as specified in the armistice agreement.

South Korea suggested conducting military talks with North Korea last month to clarify the military demarcation line, particularly as the number of North Korean personnel crossing the MDL while operating near the border has seen a significant rise in recent months.

The UNC's statement followed its rare objection earlier this month to a bill introduced by ruling party legislators that aims to grant the South Korean government control over non-military access to the DMZ.

"Since 1953, the UNC has effectively overseen the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ), a role that has been vital in sustaining stability, particularly during times of heightened inter-Korean tensions," the UNC remarked in its statement.

The UNC also highlighted Article 1 of the armistice agreement, which delineates the responsibilities of the UNC chief, who also serves as the commander of the U.S. Forces Korea, and the authority that permits control over access to the UNC Military Armistice Commission.