US to close South Korean bases

The United States says it is to close half of its military bases in South Korea.

An agreement signed with the South Korean government says the closures will take place over the next ten years.

However, the number of troops stationed on Korean soil will remain the same.

A total of 28 bases and three training ranges will be shut down.

More than half the land occupied by US forces will be handed back to South Korea.

Government officials say it will help settle many private petitions by people wanting back vast swathes of land commandeered for military purposes during the 1950s.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service