SEOUL — Two former United Nations Command generals were to visit Seoul this week, officials confirmed Tuesday.

Retired Army generals John Tilelli and Thomas Schwartz were invited by the deputy commander of the Combined Forces Command and were to arrive Wednesday, according to South Korean Ministry of National Defense spokesman Joo Myoung-soo.

The generals are to meet Defense Minister Yoon Kwan-ung and other officials during the trip, Joo said.

Joo said local media reports linking the visit to South Korea’s request for wartime operational command of its own troops are incorrect.

Tilelli and Schwartz “are not participating” in making policy, Joo said.

Joo said former USFK commanders are invited every year to visit South Korea and meet with senior officials.

Tilelli commanded the forces in South Korea from July 9, 1996, to Dec. 9, 1999, and Schwartz followed, serving until May 1, 2002.

Migrated