Foreign ministry says taking alleged harassment by Honduran diplomat 'seriously'

By Kim Seung-yeon

SEOUL, July 14 (Yonhap) -- The foreign ministry said Monday that it is taking an alleged harassment and assault case involving a Honduran diplomat "seriously" and is taking steps in accordance with due procedures.

Police in Busan said Sunday that it has booked a Honduran diplomat without physical detention for allegedly harassing and assaulting another passenger on a subway train in the southeastern port city last month. The diplomat was reportedly drunk at the time.

"We are aware of the seriousness of the incident and are cooperating with relevant authorities to take appropriate measures in accordance with established procedures," the ministry said.

The ministry has given a formal cautionary notice to the Honduran Embassy in Seoul, according to diplomatic sources.

The diplomat in question is said to be cooperating with the investigation.

The ministry plans to ask the embassy if it will invoke diplomatic immunity for the diplomat under the Vienna Convention, depending on the outcome of the investigation.

While the immunity is guaranteed under the convention, foreign diplomats subject to such investigations can cooperate voluntarily.

"We have repeatedly urged all foreign diplomatic missions and their staff in Korea to strictly abide by domestic laws and we will continue such efforts going forward," the ministry said.

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