News story

Investigation into sunken South Korean navy ship

UK and other international partners working alongside South Korea reveal the findings of their investigation into the sinking of the navy ship Cheonan.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Foreign Secretary, William Hague

Foreign Secretary, William Hague, issued the following statement:

“UK experts have been working alongside South Korean and other international partners on the investigation into the sinking of the Cheonan. They have been impressed with the objectivity and rigour of the investigative work. The UK experts are in no doubt as to the veracity of the investigation’s findings.

The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s actions will deepen the international community’s mistrust. The attack demonstrates a total indifference to human life and a blatant disregard of international obligations.

I spoke to my Korean colleague, Yu Myung-hwan, on 19 May and expressed my deep condolences for the lives lost in the sinking of the Cheonan. The UK and international partners are committed to working closely with the Republic of Korea as they consider an appropriate multilateral response to this callous act.”

Published 20 May 2010