UNSC President's Statement on Cheonan Sinking
Media release
10 July 2010
Australia welcomes the statement by the President of the United Nations Security Council issued overnight in New York condemning the sinking of the South Korean naval ship, the Cheonan.
The President's Statement expressed deep concern about the ‘findings of the Joint Civilian-Military Investigation Group, which concluded that the DPRK was responsible for sinking the Cheonan.'
The statement sends a clear message that attacks such as this are completely unacceptable.
The report of the joint international group investigation into the sinking leaves no doubt that the Cheonan was sunk by a North Korean torpedo.
Australia was very pleased to be able to contribute expertise to the investigation into the sinking, along with Canada, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States. Since the release of the investigation report, Australia has worked hard to build international support for a firm response from the Security Council.
The President's Statement makes particular note of the ‘restraint shown by the ROK'. Australia applauds the leadership of ROK President Lee in his handling of the sinking of the Cheonan.
North Korea must realise that peace and security on the Korean Peninsula will only be realised through open communication and peaceful cooperation, not through isolation and provocation.
The President's Statement calls for ‘full adherence to the Korean Armistice Agreement' and calls for the resumption of direct dialogue in order to avoid conflict and escalation. Australia urges North Korea to uphold all its international obligations and urges North Korea to cease all provocations and to engage constructively with its neighbours and the international community.
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