1. BILATERAL/MULTILATERAL ISSUES

Suk Young Choi states, “It is difficult to implement the KORUS FTA on January 1” [Korean: BYK]

http://joongang.joinsmsn.com/article/aid/2011/12/13/6522596.html?cloc=olink|article|default

Summary: Top FTA negotiator Suk Young Choi explained during a press briefing on December 12^th that “although the targeted date for the implementation of the KORUS FTA was January 1, 2012, it looks like it will be delayed.  He added that “It looks like it will be difficult to meet the target date due to the translation of the domestic regulations, legal review and year-end holiday, etc.  However, it won’t be delayed too long.”   He also added that the date for the initiation of the three-way FTA discussions between Korea, Japan and China will be dealt during the trilateral summit meeting scheduled to take place in China in May.

Controversy over Ministry of Education’s request to put “pop ups promoting KORUS FTA” on school websites [Korean: BYK]

http://biz.heraldm.com/common/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20111213000049

Summary: An official letter from the Ministry of Education to the provincial Education Administrations is causing controversy.  In the letter, the Ministry asked the Education Administrations to put ‘pop-ups’ on each of the primary, junior high and high school websites promoting the KORUS FTA.

2. LIVESTOCK ISSUES

Prices for imported beef, pork and fruits soar [Korean: BYK]

http://www.nocutnews.co.kr/Show.asp?IDX=1999746

Summary: According to the Korea Customs Service, the import prices for beef and pork soared in November, compared to the average import price in October, 2011.  Prices for imported frozen beef short ribs jumped 5.9% over the level in October and pork went up by 4.3%, while that for poultry dropped 9.9%. 

3. MIFAFF PRESS RELEASES

► MIFAFF Minister meets with Australian Ag. Minister

► Salmon caught in Korean ocean free from nuclear contamination

► MIFAFF announces winner of environment friendly agriculture award

► MIFAFF selects foothold slaughterhouses to enhance competitiveness in slaughtering industry