Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08SEOUL21
2008-01-04 06:23:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Seoul
Cable title:
ROKG CONSIDERING SALE OF ARMORED PERSONNEL
how-toVZCZCXYZ0001 PP RUEHWEB DE RUEHUL #0021 0040623 ZNY CCCCC ZZH P 040623Z JAN 08 FM AMEMBASSY SEOUL TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 7941 INFO RUEHGB/AMEMBASSY BAGHDAD PRIORITY 0108 RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC//OSD/ISA/EAP// PRIORITY RHEHNSC/NSC WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY RHMFISS/COMUSKOREA CC SEOUL KOR PRIORITY RHMFISS/COMUSKOREA J5 SEOUL KOR PRIORITY RHMFISS/COMUSKOREA J3 SEOUL KOR PRIORITY RUACAAA/COMUSKOREA INTEL SEOUL KOR PRIORITY
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).
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
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