TOKYO - U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Jan-Marc Jouas, United Nations Command, Korea, and U.S. Forces Korea deputy commander as well as commander of Air Component Command and 7th Air Force, traveled to Tokyo as the host and guest speaker at a reception honoring the 68th anniversary of the United Nations held Tuesday evening at the New Sanno hotel in Tokyo.
Jouas addressed Japanese and international dignitaries who gathered to honor the founding of the UN, taking time to recognize the unprecedented commitment of the UNC and UNC(R) for the last 60 years.
"With the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement on July 27, 1953, United Nations Command proved it was a force for action, demonstrating the battle-hardened will of a United Nations resolute in its pursuit of peace," Jouas said. "After the ceasefire, UNC member states responded to a Korea in need by providing massive humanitarian aid and reconstruction assistance, highlighting the compassion that is, still today, the foundation of UN action. In so doing, the United Nations set the stage for one of the greatest economic success stories of our time."
The primary purpose of the Armistice Agreement was to ensure a complete cessation of hostilities and of all acts of armed force in Korea until a final peaceful settlement is achieved. Lacking a permanent treaty, peace on the peninsula in the last 60 years has been made possible by the UNC, UNC(R), the Armistice Agreement, and the U.S.-ROK alliance, which together deter north Korean aggression. The UNC is the main channel for international military support from the UN in the event of a conflict on the Korean peninsula.
"For all sending states, our continued cooperation is essential to the security and stability of Northeast Asia," Jouas said. "As each year passes without war on the Peninsula, UNC continues to showcase its relevance and critical importance to the UN mission. There's no question we will face different, unforeseen challenges in the future."