MFA Spokesman's comments in response to media queries on the possibility of the United Nations Security Council discussing the sinking of Cheonan by a torpedo attack and its implications for Singapore

In response to media queries about the possibility of the United Nations Security Council discussing the sinking of Cheonan by a torpedo attack and its implications for Singapore, the MFA spokesman said:

"We believe that the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) should take up this matter. The rising tension on the Korean Peninsula is of very serious concern to us because the situation there could potentially destabilise the entire region. If East Asia is destabilized, the consequences will be global. This is thus certainly a matter that affects international peace and security.

What action the UNSC takes depends primarily on all the Permanent Members agreeing. We do not have any influence over their decisions; nor can we influence what happens on the Korean Peninsula. But we are following developments closely and have always done so. You would have seen MFA's earlier statement on this latest incident and our many other statements and comments over the years on the situation on the Korean Peninsula generally, including on the nuclear issue. They represent our principled and consistent position over many years."

Asked about the causes of the current tensions and prospects for a peaceful resolution, the MFA Spokesman said:

"Relations between North and South Korea have never been good for obvious reasons, but tensions wax and wane and there have been periods of relative calm and some cooperation between North and South. Even now the Gaesong Industrial Complex remains in operation with South Korean factories at work in the North.

Still the current situation is undoubtedly very dangerous. The proximate cause of the current rise in tensions was of course, the sinking of the Cheonan by a torpedo attack. This was, needless to say, an irresponsible and dangerously provocative action that we believe deserves the strongest condemnation by the international community. That is why the UNSC should take up the matter.

Under the circumstances the Republic of Korea has acted with commendable restraint, conducting a thorough investigation with the participation of international experts, before reaching any conclusion and then reacting in a measured way.

Singapore takes our international obligations seriously and has fully implemented UNSC Resolutions 1874 and 1718 on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. We are committed to the conduct of international relations in accordance with international law and will naturally also abide by any further UNSC decisions on this issue; indeed we are obliged to do so.

It is our hope that all parties will find a way to ease tensions and resume dialogue so that such dangerous and tragic incidents are never repeated. It is not just the peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula that is at stake."

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
31 MAY 2010