Iran, why did the sailors release… Ministry of Foreign Affairs “Find a solution to some frozen funds”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained that Iran’s release of the Korean Kemiho crew, who had been detained for 29 days on the 2nd (local time), was “a result of the Korean government’s willingness to resolve the frozen fund problem.” In fact, discussions on how to pay part of the $7 billion of Iran’s frozen funds in Korea as a contribution to the United Nations are in fact finalizing.

Korean oil tanker’Korea Chemie’ captured by Iranian Revolutionary Guards on the 4th of last month [이란 국영 IRIB, 뉴시스]

An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs met with reporters on the 3rd and explained that “there has been recent progress in the issue of paying the UN contribution, and Iran felt sincere about the ROK government’s willingness to solve the problem.” He added, “Overall, (the agreement is over) to pay the share (using the frozen money), and only very technical discussions remain, such as how to pay.” Regarding the technical consultation, he explained, “We are taking measures not to violate US sanctions against Iran, and we are especially careful not to remit the dollar to the US.” Regarding the amount of the contribution, he did not specifically say, “It is not a large amount.”

Discussions continue on how to buy humanitarian goods with frozen funds and send them to Iran. Foreign Ministry officials said, “We are discussing what is acceptable within the United States’ current sanctions system.” He said, “If you do not go through humanitarian trade channels, you will be demanding the US to lift sanctions,” he said, suggesting that there is currently no review of other measures other than the payment of UN contributions and humanitarian trade channels. Currently, the government is seeking ways to transfer funds to a Swiss account and send humanitarian goods to Iran using the’Swiss Humanitarian Trade Channel’ (SHTA). Of course, even in this case, prior consultation with the United States is necessary.

Choi Jong-Geon, 1st Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, returning to Incheon Airport after visiting Iran on the 14th of last month [연합뉴스]

In the end, as the solution to the frozen fund was revealed to some extent, it was analyzed that Iran also took a step-by-step action by solving the crew first. Both the payment of the UN contribution and the use of humanitarian trade channels require prior consultation, including approval of the US sanctions exemption. It is also interpreted that the Iranian side sent a signal that “Now, Korea should take the lead in dialogue with the United States” by releasing the sailors in time for the biden administration’s diplomatic and security advancement, such as the inauguration of Secretary of State Tony Blincoln.
An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, “On the 10th of last month, when the first Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Choi Jong-Geon went to Iran, the Iranian side asked,’How does South Korea obey the US sanctions excessively than the US? Then, in about a month, he changed his attitude forward and now gave the credit of’negotiating with the US’ to Korea. Foreign Ministry officials said, “The elections of the United States have not been completed yet, but President Biden and Secretary Blincoln expressed their intention to reach an agreement with Iran by dialogue, and there is a less rigid atmosphere.”

Iran insisted that the ships and captains were still held while releasing the crew as “in accordance with the judicial process.” An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, “The Iranian side is in the position that ships must be detained in order to proceed with judicial proceedings, and for this reason, one captain, which is an essential manpower to manage the ship, must remain.” Regarding the point that Iran is holding the ship and the captain, it is far from the actual release. “Previously, if the (sailor) himself wanted to (from the ship) but could not come out, now, if he wishes to return home, he can come.” . However, the shipping company said in a call to the JoongAng Ilbo on the 2nd, “Even if the detention is lifted, all Korean crew members must remain in order to manage the ship.” The specific return schedule of the crew will be decided through discussions with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, centering on the shipping company.

Meanwhile, the Iranian side has not yet presented any evidence or charges against the environmental pollution proposed as the reason for the ship’s arrest. An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, “The Iranian side has not yet come up with a specific schedule for judicial proceedings.”

Reporter Park Hyun-joo [email protected]