The U.S.-led United Nations Command (UNC) says it will relocate its armistice panel, currently located in the Yongsan Garrison in central Seoul, to an area near the inter-Korean border by the year's end in several phases.

The UNC said in a statement that most of the Military Armistice Commission's contingent would be moved to the joint security area in the truce village of Panmunjom.

The 20-member commission will supervise the cross-border movement of personnel and materials to ensure its swift and effective implementation.

On Monday, the U.S. ended its patrols of Panmunjom and other areas near the border, as part of arrangements to give Seoul a greater role in defending itself against the communist North.