U.S. to Yield Custody of Military Defendants

The United States agreed to transfer custody of U.S. military personnel charged with crimes in South Korea to Korean authorities at the time of indictment, revising a controversial military pact that has helped stoke anti-American sentiment. Under the old agreement, U.S. service personnel accused of crimes could remain in American custody until their trials in South Korean courts ended. The agreement came at the end of two days of talks in Seoul, the capital. The talks were called to revise a treaty that critics say infringes South Korea’s sovereignty. Despite the agreement, the allies have yet to resolve issues such as environmental regulations and labor rights for hundreds of South Korean workers hired by the U.S. military. Negotiators agreed to reopen talks in Washington within two months to try to resolve pending issues.