VZCZCXYZ0004
PP RUEHWEB
DE RUEHUL #1734 3030810
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 300810Z OCT 09
FM AMEMBASSY SEOUL
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 6094
INFO RUEATRS/DEPT OF TREASURY WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
UNCLAS SEOUL 001734
SIPDIS
STATE FOR ISN/CPI KEVIN MCGEEHAN
STATE ALSO PASS TO T, INR, EUR, NEA
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EFIN ETTC KNNP IR UKXG PREL KS
SUBJECT: DEMARCHE DELIVERED: UK DECISION TO BAN THE
PROVISION OF INSURANCE TO IRISL
REF: STATE 108151
(SBU) Deputy Economic Counselor accompanied by Richard Cowin,
Poloff from the British Embassy, met with Director Yeo
Sung-Jun, Middle East Division I of the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs and Trade on October 28 to deliver reftel demarche
and nonpaper. Director Yeo said the Republic of Korea takes
seriously its international obligations with regard to Iran.
Although he was not aware of any Korean companies providing
insurance services to Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines
(IRISL), Song said he appreciated being apprised of the risk
that IRISL would seek new insurers following the UK's October
12 ban. He offered to share this information among the ROKG
ministries and with Korean insurers as appropriate. North
America Division I First Secretary Song Si-jin and Middle
East Division 1 Second Secretary Choi Young-joon were also
present.
STEPHENS