New York, July 9 (DPA) The UN Security Council Friday issued a unanimous condemnation of the attack that sank a South Korean naval vessel in March, resulting in the deaths of 46 sailors.
The 15-nation council said in a statement that it ‘deplores’ and ‘condemns’ the attack on March 26 of the South Korean vessel Cheonan without directly naming the attacker.
But it said an investigation concluded that North Korea was responsible for it.
Some council members said the target of the condemnation is North Korea, based on an international investigation that implicated that country for firing a torpedo from a submarine that destroyed the Cheonan.
‘The message to the North Korean leadership is crystal clear,’ US Ambassador Susan Rice told reporters after the council issued the statement. ‘The Security Council condemns and deplores this attack and warns against any further attacks.’
Rice said all disputes between the Korean parties must be resolved through peaceful means. She said the statement was the result of a ‘strong international consensus’ reflecting the council’s commitment to maintain peace and security on the Korean peninsula.
Seoul accused the Pyongyang government of torpedoing its ship, but the latter rejected the charge, calling it a ‘fabrication’.
The statement said: ‘The Security Council determines that such an accident endangers peace and security in the region and beyond.’
It said a Joint Civilian-Military Investigation Group, led by South Korea with the participation of five nations, has concluded that the ‘Democratic People’s Republic of North Korea was responsible for sinking the Cheonan. The Security Council expresses its deep concern’.
The statement said the council has taken note that North Korea has denied any responsibility.
‘Therefore the Security Council condemns the attack which led to the sinking of the Cheonan,’ the statement said. ‘The Security Council underscores the importance of preventing further such attacks or hostilities against the Republic of Korea or in the region.’
It called for adherence to the Korean Armistice Agreement, which ended the 1950-53 Korean War, and for settling all disputes through peaceful means.
The statement was read in an open council meeting by its president for July, Nigerian Ambassador U Joy Ogwu. Its issuance ended weeks of negotiations after South Korea lodged an official complaint against North Korea June 4.
On Thursday, Rice said a draft was first approved by the council’s five permanent members – the US, Russia, China, France and Britain – plus Japan and South Korea.
The US has been the strongest supporter of South Korea, while China has refused to blame North Korea. Russia has not said where it stands. Britain and France usually side with the US on security matters.
North Korea has been rejecting the accusation from South Korea and has threatened an ‘all out war’ against its neighbour if the incident was brought before the council. South Korea complained to the council and demanded that the body take measures appropriate to the importance of the attack.
South Korean UN Ambassador Park In-kook told reporters that his government was satisfied with the statement issued Friday.
‘We welcome the statement,’ Park said. ‘We are grateful for the council for its unanimously decision. Today’s statement is a strong reminder to North Korea that it must refrain from further attacks.’
