MOFAT Spokesperson’s Statement on the UNSC Presidential Statement on the Cheonan Incident

1. The Government of the Republic of Korea (ROK) welcomes the Presidential Statement of the United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted on 9 July 2010, through which the Security Council expressed its deep concern in view of the findings of the Joint Civilian-Military Investigation Group which concluded that North Korea was responsible for the sinking of the ROK naval ship, the Cheonan, and condemned the attack against the Cheonan by North Korea. 2. We believe that the Presidential Statement adopted today on North Korea is of great significance in that the international community condemns with a unified voice the attack against the Cheonan by North Korea and underscores the importance of preventing further provocations against the ROK. 3. As emphasized in the Presidential Statement by the Security Council, we urge North Korea to refrain from taking any provocations or acts undermining the peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, strictly abiding by the strong will of the international community that no provocation against the ROK will be tolerated. We further urge North Korea to clearly and truthfully admit and apologize for its wrongdoings relating to its provocation against the Cheonan, and to act responsibly towards the international community, respecting the spirit of the Security Council Presidential Statement. 4. The Government of the Republic of Korea appreciates the cooperation and support of the members of the UN Security Council with regard to the adoption of the Presidential Statement. We also extend our appreciation to Australia, Canada, Sweden, United Kingdom and the United States who participated in the Joint Civilian-Military Investigation Group, as well as the nations and international organizations which have supported the Republic of Korea in responding to the sinking of the Cheonan.