Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08SEOUL2252
2008-11-21 08:27:00
SECRET
Embassy Seoul
Cable title:
ROKG RESPONSE TO IRAN-O-HIND DEMARCHE
how-toVZCZCXYZ0004 OO RUEHWEB DE RUEHUL #2252 3260827 ZNY SSSSS ZZH O 210827Z NOV 08 FM AMEMBASSY SEOUL TO SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 2407
S E C R E T SEOUL 002252
SIPDIS
STATE FOR ISN, T, SCA, TREASURY, NEA/IR
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/21/2023
TAGS: ECON EFIN KNNP PARM IR KS PREL
SUBJECT: ROKG RESPONSE TO IRAN-O-HIND DEMARCHE
REF: A. STATE 121818
B. STATE 111761
Classified By: Economic Minister Counselor Andrew Quinn
Reasons: 1.4(B) and (D).
S E C R E T SEOUL 002252
SIPDIS
STATE FOR ISN, T, SCA, TREASURY, NEA/IR
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/21/2023
TAGS: ECON EFIN KNNP PARM IR KS PREL
SUBJECT: ROKG RESPONSE TO IRAN-O-HIND DEMARCHE
REF: A. STATE 121818
B. STATE 111761
Classified By: Economic Minister Counselor Andrew Quinn
Reasons: 1.4(B) and (D).
1. (SBU) On November 21, Deputy Econcouns and econoff met
with Si-jin Song, First Secretary in MOFAT's North American
Division I, and Sung-hwan Lee, Second Secretary in MOFAT's
Middle East Division, to deliver demarche (Ref A). Song and
Lee listened attentively and took notes on the presentation.
Lee stated that MOFAT would distribute the information
throughout the appropriate government agencies.
2. (SBU) When pushed for a response, Lee noted that
shipbuilding is the backbone of exports and exports are the
backbone of the Korean economy, particularly at a time of
economic slowdown. He said there was considerable concern
within the ROKG over the impact that such interventions on
key industries such as shipbuilding could have on the overall
economy. Song reaffirmed that MOFAT is very aware of the
importance of this issue and would communicate the message to
other ministries within the ROKG.
3. (S) Lee and Song both commented that previous U.S.
demarches regarding IRISL have caused "commotion" between
MOFAT and Iran as well as Korea's shipbuilding industries.
Lee explained that while he understands why the U.S.
considers its position to be consistent with UNSCR
obligations, other ROKG ministries also consider shipbuilding
contracts with Iran to be consistent because the "letter of
the law" in UNSCR 1803 pertains to vigilance over cargo
inspection, not shipbuilding. The meeting concluded with Lee
reminding Deputy Econcouns of comments made by MOFAT Deputy
Foreign Minister Lee Yong-joon in an October 14 meeting with
Under Secretary Burns on the margins of the U.S.-Japan-ROK
trilats indicating that the ROK would not cancel its current
contracts with Iran (Ref B).
4. (SBU) Post will follow up with other key agencies.
STEPHENS
SIPDIS
STATE FOR ISN, T, SCA, TREASURY, NEA/IR
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/21/2023
TAGS: ECON EFIN KNNP PARM IR KS PREL
SUBJECT: ROKG RESPONSE TO IRAN-O-HIND DEMARCHE
REF: A. STATE 121818
B. STATE 111761
Classified By: Economic Minister Counselor Andrew Quinn
Reasons: 1.4(B) and (D).
1. (SBU) On November 21, Deputy Econcouns and econoff met
with Si-jin Song, First Secretary in MOFAT's North American
Division I, and Sung-hwan Lee, Second Secretary in MOFAT's
Middle East Division, to deliver demarche (Ref A). Song and
Lee listened attentively and took notes on the presentation.
Lee stated that MOFAT would distribute the information
throughout the appropriate government agencies.
2. (SBU) When pushed for a response, Lee noted that
shipbuilding is the backbone of exports and exports are the
backbone of the Korean economy, particularly at a time of
economic slowdown. He said there was considerable concern
within the ROKG over the impact that such interventions on
key industries such as shipbuilding could have on the overall
economy. Song reaffirmed that MOFAT is very aware of the
importance of this issue and would communicate the message to
other ministries within the ROKG.
3. (S) Lee and Song both commented that previous U.S.
demarches regarding IRISL have caused "commotion" between
MOFAT and Iran as well as Korea's shipbuilding industries.
Lee explained that while he understands why the U.S.
considers its position to be consistent with UNSCR
obligations, other ROKG ministries also consider shipbuilding
contracts with Iran to be consistent because the "letter of
the law" in UNSCR 1803 pertains to vigilance over cargo
inspection, not shipbuilding. The meeting concluded with Lee
reminding Deputy Econcouns of comments made by MOFAT Deputy
Foreign Minister Lee Yong-joon in an October 14 meeting with
Under Secretary Burns on the margins of the U.S.-Japan-ROK
trilats indicating that the ROK would not cancel its current
contracts with Iran (Ref B).
4. (SBU) Post will follow up with other key agencies.
STEPHENS