The Defense Ministry is seeking parliamentary approval for a one-year extension of deployment of the Zaitun Unit in Iraq until December, 2005.

During a news briefing on Monday, Defense Minister Yoon Kwang-ung said that his ministry plans to present a deployment extension motion to the National Assembly following discussions at a Cabinet meeting.

The ministry had decided to request the extended deployment of 3,600 South Korean troops in the northern Iraqi city of Iribil at a meeting of senior officials held earlier this month.

However, the proposed extension will likely face some difficulty in the National Assembly due to opposition from the public and a number of lawmakers.