The Environment Ministry said Friday that South Korea and the United States will begin discussions at the end of January on environmental regulations to be included in the Agreed Minutes of the Status of Forces Agreement.

The two countries agreed Thursday on a revised SOFA, which many say improved Korean authorities' rights regarding criminal jurisdiction, environmental protection and other issues.

The United States has SOFAs to define the rights and obligations of its forces stationed overseas. Koreans have persistently demanded the revision of the old agreement which they felt unfair and infringed on their national sovereignty.

The ministry added... at next month's meeting, both sides will concentrate on establishing a guideline for U.S. commanders to use for informing local authorities about an environmental accident on a U.S. base in Korea.

The ministry hopes to secure immediate reports from the United States.