Bishop Peter Kang U-il of Cheju diocese has reiterated his opposition to the proposed building of a naval base on Jeju island in a letter issued to the media. “It is contradictory for the government to host the World Conservation Congress next year on the island, while planning a big naval port,” the bishop wrote in his letter. In addition to environmental concerns, Bishop Kang said the cost was also contributing factor to his opposition. He said the price tag of the base could reach 1 trillion won (about US$950 million). “Will this astronomical expenditure serve the nation?” he wrote in the letter. Meanwhile, the Environmental Pastoral Committee and the Committee for Justice and Peace, both within the Seoul archdiocese, issued statements today opposing the Jeju island naval base, stating that the plan “lacks long-term policy in pursuit of short-term economic interest." Related reports: Forum wants to scrap Jeju Island baseDiocese calls for review of naval base plan