Protests mark lifting of beef ban

SEOUL, June 26 (UPI) -- South Korea issued a legal notice Thursday officially lifting the ban on U.S. beef imports but the event was marked by protests in the port city of Busan.

Protesters tried to block the distribution of about 3,300 tons of U.S. beef stored at a Busan pier to other locations, Yonhap news agency reported. Another 2,000 tons are stored at other refrigeration facilities.

The 4-month-old government of South Korean President Lee Myung-bak has been dogged by protests since its April decision to lift the ban imposed in 2003 after a mad cow disease case was reported in the United States.

Since then changes were made in the agreement to ensure no shipment of beef from cattle older than 30 months believed to be most prone to the disease.

Critics reject the changes, insisting instead on a new deal. The Yonhap report said media polls this week indicated a large number of respondents oppose the imports.

"Now is the time to concentrate our capabilities on economic revival after putting an end to various disputes over U.S. beef imports," Lee told his senior officials.

The protesters have vowed to continue their action and demand Lee's resignation.