Seoul Calls for Prudence in UNSC Statement
2003-06-23
South Korea Saturday called on the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council (UNSC), including the United States, to be cautious in the timing of a UNSC presidential statement on North Korea's nuclear arms program.
The government has reaffirmed its stance that while it recognizes the need for the U.N. Security Council to discuss the standoff over the North's nuclear ambitions, its timing should be carefully considered.
On Saturday, the U.S. State Department said the United States is exploring the possibility of a U.N. statement, as a means to convey authoritatively and unequivocally the international community's concern to Pyongyang.
Asked whether the government had seen the draft statement circulated by the United States, a senior Foreign Ministry official said South Korea is participating in discussions with other council members over the issue.
Even if the council seeks a presidential statement, its contents would not threaten the reclusive country, the official added, noting the United States could have taken the North's objection into account.
Source : www.korea.net
