The U.N. Command (UNC) released a statement on Wednesday insisting it holds exclusive authority to control access to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) from South Korea, amid Seoul’s efforts to pass a bill allowing it to approve non-military entry.

Earlier this month, South Korean Unification Minister Chung Dong-young expressed support for a ruling Democratic Party bill that would give him special authority to approve DMZ access and the movement of goods and equipment for peaceful purposes, part of the government’s push to improve ties with North Korea.