U.S. Ambassador Alexander Vershbow says the timetable for Korea to retake wartime operational command is open to review.

In a KBS TV interview program Thursday, the U.S. envoy said he believes the transfer agreement allows for a progress review at every step in its implementation. He said that if the two sides agree on a need to adjust the timetable for the transfer, that can be discussed, as he put it, "down the road."

Seoul and Washington agreed last February on a target date for the transfer of April 17th, 2012.

This is the first time a top U.S. official has indicated the transfer timetable could be reviewed.