U.S., China agree at UN to condemn attack on South Korean ship

The U.S. and China have agreed on a statement condemning the attack on a South Korean warship that doesn’t accuse North Korea of complicity. The text was given today to the United Nations Security Council for adoption.

“The Security Council condemns the attack which led to the sinking of the Cheonan,” the draft statement says. The text “takes note” of North Korea’s denial of involvement in the March 26 incident.

(AP-Yonhap)

A multinational investigation reported on June 14 that a North Korean-made torpedo caused the sinking, killing 46 sailors. The draft statement says that “in view of the findings” of the panel, the Security Council “expresses its deep concern.”

Susan Rice, the U.S. ambassador to the UN, said the statement was a “very clear and appropriate response.” She said adoption of the statement would “send a unified message that the Security Council condemns the attack.”