Seoul and Kyiv Engage in Talks Regarding North Korean POWs Repatriation
South Korea and Ukraine’s top diplomats discussed the possible repatriation of North Korean POWs, who South Korea views as its citizens. A phone conversation between Foreign Ministers Cho Tae-yul and Andrii Sybiha highlighted this legal framework and the captured soldiers’ potential for asylum in South Korea, as indicated by one soldier’s request for asylum during an interview.
On March 17, officials from South Korea and Ukraine engaged in discussions regarding the potential transfer of North Korean prisoners of war (POWs) held in Ukraine. The South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that these POWs are recognized as South Korean citizens per the South Korean legal framework.
During the phone call, South Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul communicated with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha about the situation concerning two North Korean soldiers captured by Ukrainian forces. Minister Cho clarified that under South Korea’s Constitution, these soldiers would be considered South Korean citizens and their potential defection would be accepted.
Reports from South Korean media outlet Chosun Ilbo indicated that an interview conducted with the prisoners revealed one soldier, who served as a sniper-scout, expressed a desire for asylum in South Korea. This raises significant implications for the handling of these cases moving forward.
The discussions between South Korea and Ukraine highlight the complex nature of international law regarding citizenship and asylum. The acknowledgment that captured North Korean soldiers are deemed South Korean citizens under their constitution could pave the way for their repatriation or asylum application, should they express such an intention. This situation remains dynamic and is being closely monitored by both nations.
Original Source: euromaidanpress.com
