UNCLAS SEOUL 002363

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EWWT EUN IMO KS
SUBJECT: ROKG RESPONSE ON EU REGULATIONS ON RECOGNIZED
ORGANIZATIONS

REF: STATE 116998


1. (U) Post followed up with Mr. Kim Jaegeun, Assistant Director of
Maritime Technology Division at the Ministry of Land, Transportation
and Maritime (MLTM) on reftel demarche expressing concerns about the
EC's third maritime safety package.


2. (U) Kim described the ROKG agreed with the US position, and
strongly opposing the European Commission's proposal. Kim informed
Econoff that MLTM's Director General for Maritime Safety and Policy
in late November sent a letter opposing the proposal to the European
Commission. Kim added that the ROKG plans to raise its concerns
within the EU before the next European Council meeting.


3. (U) MLTM is working to clear a more formal position in opposition
to the EC's maritime proposal for the next Council meeting. When
completed, this demarche will be delivered to the Commission in
Brussels.

STEPHENS