Text Fwd: PSPD’s Stance on the Presidential Statement of the UNSC regarding the Sinking of the Cheonan

* Text Sent from Kim Hee-Soon, PSPD on July 15, 2010

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People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy

PSPD’s Stance on the Presidential Statement of the UNSC regarding the Sinking of the ROK Naval Vessel Cheonan

July 15, 2010

People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy (PSPD) in the ROK extends its appreciation to the UN Security Council for its Presidential Statement on the Naval Vessel Cheonan released on 9 July. Deeply concerned with the incident, PSPD sent the letter and the report, ‘The PSPD's Stance on the Naval Vessel Cheonan Sinking' to the UN Security Council Member States on 10 June.

It is fully shared and appreciated by the people in Korea that UN Security Council extends “its deep sympathy and condolences to the victims and their families and to the people and Government of the ROK.”

PSPD also welcomes the Presidential Statement of the UN Security Council “stressing the importance of maintaining peace and stability on the Korean peninsula and in north-east Asia as a whole” and “encouraging 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.” PSPD would like to note that this is consistent with its earlier call for the UN Security Council in its letter of 10 June.

In addition, PSPD takes note that the Presidential Statement referred both the findings of the investigation led by the ROK and the counterarguments from other relevant parties. This is in accord with the PSPD’s request in the same letter to the UN Security Council; “we hope that UN Security Council makes a fair and reasonable decision considering all the grounds.” It will contribute to the realization of “the settlement of outstanding issues on the Korean peninsula by peaceful means” and “appropriate and peaceful measures to be taken against those responsible for the incident aimed at the peaceful settlement of the issue.” The reference of the responses from the DPRK and other parties, in parallel with the findings of the ROK supports the position of NGOs and scientists calling for an additional investigation and verification on the Cheonan incident.

Reminded by such clauses in the UN Security Council Presidential Statement, PSPD reiterates its call for transparent disclosure of all relevant information regarding the Cheonan incident and an additional investigation and verification by the National Assembly of the ROK or with participation of relevant state parties. PSPD will keep sharing new factual findings as they arise with UN Security Council Member States.

Thank you.

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