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US, South Korea Fail to Reach Cost-sharing Deal as Deadline Approaches

William Gallo

   SEOUL - The United States and South Korea failed to reach a deal on how
   to split the cost of the U.S. military presence, South Korean officials
   said Wednesday, just days before the current agreement is set to
   expire.

   South Korean and U.S. negotiators "broadened their understanding" of
   each other's positions during two days of talks that ended Wednesday,
   but must be prepared for another round of negotiations in January,
   South Korea's foreign ministry said.

   The United States had reportedly demanded that South Korea pay five
   times its current amount for the cost of the approximately 28,000
   troops that are stationed in South Korea. South Korean officials
   dismissed the demand as unreasonable.

   In an interview with the South Korean media, James DeHart, the top U.S.
   negotiator signaled flexibility, insisting Washington is "no longer
   focused" on its initial demand.

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