REPUBLIC OF KOREA: 2008 COUNTRY REPORTS ON

UNCLAS SEOUL 000015 SIPDIS STATE FOR S/CT RHONDA SHORE AND NCTC E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PTER ASEC EFIN KCRM KHLS KS SUBJECT: REPUBLIC OF KOREA: 2008 COUNTRY REPORTS ON TERRORISM REF: 08 STATE 120019 ¶1. This cable is in response to reftel. ¶2. The Republic of Korea (ROK or South Korea) demonstrated excellent law enforcement and intelligence capabilities, and provided terrorism-related training to law enforcement officials from various developing countries. Traditionally focused on potential terrorism from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK or North Korea),the South Korean government broadened its attention to acts of terror beyond the Korean Peninsula. South Korea supported U.S. goals in Afghanistan and maintained a troop contingent in Iraq through December 2008. Additionally, the ROK led a Coalition Provincial Reconstruction Team in Irbil Province. The South Korean government remained a valued international partner in the fight against terror financing and money laundering. ¶3. South Korea continued its efforts to combat terrorism on many fronts. In 2008, the government reviewed and strengthened its emergency response plan. In addition to its bilateral consultations, South Korea continued its participation in the anti-terror activities of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF),and the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM). ¶4. South Korean immigration and law enforcement agencies had an excellent record of tracking suspicious individuals entering their territory and reacting quickly to thwart potential terrorist acts. The government in August 2008 started issuing e-passports to ordinary citizens that will further protect the identity of lawful travelers and help prevent terrorists from using counterfeit passports. South Korea also agreed on a mechanism to exchange terrorist screening information with the U.S. in 2008 as part of the government's successful effort to join the Visa Waiver Program. South Korea's anti-terrorist financing legislation to further curb money laundering by terrorist organizations in and through the country became effective in 2008. ¶5. South Korea continued its active participation in regional training and capacity-building programs. The government hosted training and capacity-building programs through the Korea Overseas International Cooperation Agency in forensic science, prevention of money laundering, and cyber security. ¶6. US Embassy - Seoul POC: David Jeffrey, 82-2-397-4372, jeffreyd@state.gov. STEPHENS