South Korean firm pressured to stop certifying Iranian shipsJune 28, 2012 - 21:06 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A South Korean ship classification society faces pressure from a U.S. lobby group to stop verifying safety and environmental standards for Iran's biggest shipping companies as tightening U.S. and European sanctions restrict its oil exports, Reuters said. Without verification from such bodies, ships are unable to call at international ports. U.S. group United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI), in a letter sent this week to the Korean Register of Shipping (KR), urged the society to stop providing classification and certification services to the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL), its front companies and the National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC). A targeted campaign by UANI, which includes former U.S. ambassadors on its board and is funded by private donations, had led Germany's Germanischer Lloyd and France's Bureau Veritas to drop their classification cover for Iranian shipping firms. A KR official said on Thursday, June 28 the society was looking into all measures. "KR provides limited classification services to a small number of Iranian ships as part of its ongoing contractual responsibilities," it added in a statement. "KR continues to monitor the situation concerning Iran and closely follows all relevant international regulations. KR's policy is to comply, without compromise, with all national and international regulations concerning Iran." Classification societies are hired by ship owners to regularly check that vessels, from their hull and propulsion systems to the machinery and appliances, meet international safety standards. Under international conventions, a classification is required for a ship to dock at major ports. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |