ROKG CONSIDERING SALE OF ARMORED PERSONNEL

C O N F I D E N T I A L SEOUL 000021 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR EAP/K AND NEA (PETER EVANS) E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/04/2018 TAGS: KS MARR MASS PARM PREL IZ SUBJECT: ROKG CONSIDERING SALE OF ARMORED PERSONNEL CARRIERS TO IRAQI GOVERNMENT Classified By: A/POL Brian D. McFeeters, Reasons 1.4 (b,d). ¶1. (U) This is an action cable. Please see para 3. ¶2. (C) On January 4, Kim Jae-woo, Deputy Director of Disarmament and Nonproliferation Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MOFAT) informed poloff that the ROKG is considering the sale of an undetermined quantity of Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs) by a ROK company to the Government of Iraq. Kim was not aware of the APC specifications, the ROK company involved, the exact quantity to be sold (in the hundreds),or which Iraqi Government agency would be the end-user. Kim apologized for providing incomplete information, but emphasized that MOFAT wanted to notify and seek USG consultation about the potential sale as early as possible. Kim said that the ROK Embassy in Washington also provided some information regarding the potential sale to the State Department (NEA) in late November. He stressed that the sale was still in its initial stages and that the ROKG had not yet received an export application for the APCs. However, Kim explained that the ROKG would begin interagency discussions on the matter next week and requested the USG provide any information or concerns to the ROKG before January 9. ¶2. (C) Comment and Action Request: In the absence of further information or U.S. concerns, it seems likely that MOFAT will support the proposed APC sale to the Iraqi Government. Kim repeatedly stressed that the ROKG was not aware of any international restrictions on the sale of APCs to Iraq with the Iraqi Government was the designated end-user. He also indicated that the sale would better equip the Iraqi Government and therefore support U.S. and ROK interests in promoting peace and stability in Iraq. Post requests Department advise how to respond to MOFAT by January 9. Post's point-of-contact is Pol-Mil officer Jessica Wolf-Hudson. End Comment and Action Request. VERSHBOW