The UN Security Council’s condemnation of North Korea’s attack on the South Korean ship
Cheonan sends a clear message that such irresponsible and provocative behavior is a threat to peace and security in the region and will not be tolerated. Attacks on the Republic of Korea are unacceptable and the United States joins the Security Council in calling for North Korea to uphold the Korean Armistice Agreement.
Today’s Security Council action underscores the unity of the international community and the reality that a peaceful resolution of the issues on the Korean Peninsula will only be possible if North Korea fundamentally changes its behavior. It must comply with international law and obligations, live up to its commitments in the Six-Party Joint Statement of 2005, and refrain from provocative behavior.
The commitment of the United States to South Korea’s security and sovereignty is unwavering. Later this month, I will travel to Seoul for further consultations with our South Korean allies. We applaud the Republic of Korea’s careful handling of this situation and we join the Security Council in again expressing our deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims of this tragic attack.
