A top presidential aid has clarified President Roh Moo-hyun's recent remark on when to take wartime operational command of the Korean military from the United States.

Roh had said Wednesday that the command transfer can come any time between 2009 proposed by Washington and Korea's target year 2012.

Senior presidential secretary for national security Seo Joo-seok told an MBC radio show Friday that the remark does not downright mean a transfer in 2009 but stresses the need for flexibility in deciding the timing.

Seo said the government suggested 2012 given Korea's combat and command capability, adding the timetable of transfer can be continuously discussed.

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