Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 337: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the discussions he and his European counterparts have had and their position in respect of recent incidents between North Korea and South Korea in which the former said it was cutting all ties with the latter and threatening its neighbour with military action over alleged violations of its waters off the west coast; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23013/10]

Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 339: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the pressure he and his European colleagues have brought to bear on the Chinese Government to persuade North Korea to change its ways; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23127/10]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 337 and 339 together.

I condemn the sinking of the Republic of Korea (ROK) naval vessel "Cheonan" on 26 March and the resulting deaths of forty-six members of its crew. I take this opportunity to extend my condolences, and those of the Government, to the families of the victims and to the Government of the ROK, on their tragic loss.

I note with deep concern the findings of the investigation, published on 20 May by the ROK authorities, into the causes of the sinking. This investigation was supported by an international team of specialists, including participants from the US and the UK, and has been described as objective, methodical and scientific. Based on evidence recovered from the scene of the attack, the investigation has concluded that the explosion was caused by a torpedo made in the DPRK and fired from a DPRK submarine.

The ROK is to be commended for its restrained and measured response to this unprovoked and heinous attack. I fully support the intention of the Government of the ROK to seek redress through the offices of the UN, and through other non-military means.

Since the announcement of the report's findings on 20 May, relations between the ROK and DPRK have deteriorated rapidly. Most recently, the DPRK has announced that it since the announcement of the report's findings on 20 May, relations between the ROK and DPRK have deteriorated rapidly. Most recently, the DPRK has announced that it would cancel an agreement designed to prevent accidental naval skirmishes along the disputed western sea border and it has also announced the severing of all ties with the ROK. It has threatened to engage any ROK vessels which are perceived to be in its territorial waters and has stated that any retaliation for the sinking of the "Cheonan" would lead to "all-out" war. These threats are unacceptable.

Ireland will continue to consult closely with EU and other international partners to determine an appropriate response to the findings of the ROK investigation. In this respect, I welcome the statement made on 20 May by the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton, in which she called on all the countries concerned to step up efforts to promote lasting peace and security on the Korean Peninsula. I note also the call made by Foreign Ministers at the EU-ASEAN Ministerial meeting held in Madrid on 26 May that the parties involved should exercise restraint. It is important also to ensure that recent events do not overshadow the ongoing suffering of the people of the DPRK, who face systematic, widespread and grave human rights abuses and endure sustained food insecurity and widespread malnutrition.

China is, of course, a key interlocutor for the parties involved and for the international community where the Korean peninsula is concerned. Although it has not yet officially responded to the findings of the South Korean investigation, I very much welcome the fact that the Chinese Government too has called for restraint and dialogue so that the crisis can be defused.

The situation on the Korean peninsula is a regular feature of Ireland's bilateral dialogue with China. I discussed the issue, including the "Cheonan" attack, with Foreign Minister Yang during my visit to Beijing last week and the matter was also raised in official level Political Consultations in Beijing on 8 April last. I can assure Deputies that the Government will continue in its efforts to seek China's support in securing a lasting, peaceful solution in the region.