Ministry of Foreign Affairs: "Iran Proposes Paying 'UN Contributions' with Frozen Funds in South Korea... Discussing Possible Options"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] Regarding the Iranian government's proposal to the UN to pay overdue UN dues using frozen assets in South Korea, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that there was a proposal and that they are consulting with the UN on possible measures.

According to the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website on the 17th (local time), spokesperson Saeed Khatibzadeh said, "Although Iran's remittance channels have been restricted due to US sanctions, Iran has paid its UN membership fees over the past several years," adding, "Iran's recent proposal on how to pay the fees was a method using the funds frozen in South Korea."

In response, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs official said, "There was a request from the Iranian side," and explained, "We are consulting with relevant domestic ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as the UN, to see if there are any possible measures."

The Iranian side also insisted that US banks should not act as intermediaries in the remittance process to the UN this time. Previously, the two governments had agreed to purchase COVID-19 vaccines through the COVAX facility and to pay using Iran's frozen funds in South Korea, but concerns over re-freezing of funds during the remittance process prevented a final conclusion.

Spokesperson Khatibzadeh emphasized, "Iran insists that the UN should not use US banks as intermediary financial institutions in the payment process," and added, "The UN Security Council must ensure the safe transfer of the dues."

Meanwhile, it has been reported that the Korean crew members of the Korean Kemiho ship detained in Iran continue to communicate with their families and company officials. However, despite the South Korean government's continuous demands for specific evidence related to the reasons for the ship's detention, there has been no significant progress.

A Ministry of Foreign Affairs official explained, "Last weekend, consular assistance was provided locally so that the captain and chief engineer of the Korean Kemiho could communicate directly with their families and domestic company officials," adding, "The Iranian Embassy is at the center of ongoing contact and communication with the Iranian government and the local agent of the Korean Kemiho's shipping company, and efforts continue to maintain contact with relevant Iranian ministries such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Justice."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.