20 May 2010

UN / SOUTH KOREA SHIP

UN Spokesman Martin Nesirky reads a statement from Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon voicing serious concern over the recent investigations which found that a navy ship off the coast of the country was hit by a torpedo from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. UNTV

Posted at: May 20, 2010 3:56 pm

Duration: 01:13

Available in: SD

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STORY: UN / SOUTH KOREA SHIP  
TRT: 1:13
SOURCE: UNTV 
RESTRICTIONS: NONE
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH / NATS
 
DATELINE: 20 MAY 2010, NEW YORK CITY

1. Wide shot, United Nations headquarters
2. Med shot, noon briefing room
3. SOUNDBITE (English) Martin Nesirky, Spokesman, Secretary-General, United Nations:
"The Secretary-General has learned of the results of the investigation into the sinking of the Cheonan naval ship of the Republic of Korea with a heavy heart and serious concern. The Secretary-General appreciates the restrained and patient efforts of the Government of the Republic of Korea to investigate this incident in an objective and scientific manner by both domestic and international experts. The facts laid out in the report are deeply troubling.  As Secretary-General of the United Nations, he will continue to closely follow developments. The Secretary-General takes this opportunity to express once again his deep sadness over the loss of the sailors. He also extends his heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved families as well as to the people and the Government of the Republic of Korea."
4. Wide shot, end of noon briefing

STORYLINE:

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon voiced concern over the results of the investigation into the sinking of a navy ship off the coast of the Republic of Korea, alleged by the country to have been carried out by its northern neighbour, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DRPK).

A report issued by the Republic of Korea in its capital, Seoul, reportedly found that the Cheonan was hit by a DRPK torpedo in late March.

The explosion killed 46 Republic of Korea sailors.

"The facts laid out in the report are deeply troubling," Ban's spokesperson said in a statement, adding that the Secretary-General, a national of the Republic of Korea, learned of the findings with a "heavy heart."

Ban voiced his appreciation for the Republic of Korea's Government for its "restrained and patient efforts" to look into the Cheonan incident in an "objective and scientific manner by both domestic and international experts."

He reiterated his deep sadness over the loss of the sailors' lives, extending his sympathy to their families as well as to the people and Government of the Republic of Korea.