Security Council

6355^th Meeting (AM)

Security Council Condemns Attack on Republic of Korea Naval Ship ‘Cheonan’,

 

Stresses Need to Prevent Further Attacks, Other Hostilities in Region

 

It Also Takes Note of Neighbour’s Response Denying Responsibility for Sinking

The Security Council today condemned the attack which led to the sinking of the Republic of Korea naval ship Cheonan off the coast of the Korean peninsula on 26 March, with the loss of 46 lives.

In a statement read out by U Joy Ogwu (Nigeria), its President for the month of July, the 15-member body also expressed deep concern in view of the findings of the Joint Civilian-Military Investigation Group led by the Republic of Korea, with participants from five other nations, which concluded that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea had been responsible for the sinking.  At the same time, the Council took note of the response from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea that it had nothing to do with the incident.

Welcoming the restraint shown by the Republic of Korea, the Council underscored the importance of preventing further such attacks or other hostilities against that country or in the region, calling for full adherence to the Korean Armistice Agreement and encouraging the settlement of outstanding issues through a resumption of dialogue.

The meeting began at 9:40 a.m. and ended at 9:50 a.m.

Presidential Statement

The full text of presidential statement S/PRST/2010/13 reads as follows:

“The Security Council notes the letter dated 4 June 2010 from the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Korea to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council (S/2010/281), and the letter dated 8 June 2010 from the Permanent Representative of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council (S/2010/294).

“The Security Council deplores the attack on 26 March 2010 which led to the sinking of the Republic of Korea naval ship, the Cheonan, resulting in the tragic loss of 46 lives.

“The Security Council determines that such an incident endangers peace and security in the region and beyond.

“The Security Council deplores the loss of life and injuries and expresses its deep sympathy and condolences to the victims and their families and to the people and Government of the Republic of Korea, and calls for appropriate and peaceful measures to be taken against those responsible for the incident aimed at the peaceful settlement of the issue in accordance with the United Nations Charter and all other relevant provisions of international law.

“In view of the findings of the Joint Civilian-Military Investigation Group led by the Republic of Korea with the participation of five nations, which concluded that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea was responsible for sinking the Cheonan, the Security Council expresses its deep concern.

“The Security Council takes note of the responses from other relevant parties, including from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, which has stated that it had nothing to do with the incident.

“Therefore, the Security Council condemns the attack which led to the sinking of the Cheonan.

“The Security Council underscores the importance of preventing further such attacks or hostilities against the Republic of Korea or in the region.

“The Security Council welcomes the restraint shown by the Republic of Korea and stresses the importance of maintaining peace and stability on the Korean peninsula and in North-East Asia as a whole.

“The Security Council calls for full adherence to the Korean Armistice Agreement and encourages the settlement of outstanding issues on the Korean peninsula by peaceful means to resume direct dialogue and negotiation through appropriate channels as early as possible, with a view to avoiding conflicts and averting escalation.

“The Security Council reaffirms the importance that all Member States uphold the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations.”

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For information media • not an official record