The Philippines joined the rest of the international community Wednesday in condemning North Korea for the sinking of South Korean navy ship Cheonan, which killed 46 South Korean sailors, urging both parties to conduct dialogue for an amicable settlement.

“The Government of the Republic of the Philippines expresses its solidarity with the Government of the Republic of Korea over the sinking of the Cheonan on March 26, 2010. The Philippines strongly condemns acts of provocation that threaten regional security and peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula,” the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) stated.

“Considering its proximity to the Korean Peninsula, the Philippines fervently hopes for the resolution of this issue through peaceful means, including constructive dialogue. The Philippines hopes that this situation will not deteriorate further to compromise the peace and security of the region,” it said.

“The Philippines calls for adherence to international norms and codes of conduct, and the letter and spirit of United Nations (UN) Security Council Resolutions 1874 and 1718,” it added.

Based on the findings by an international investigation group, it was learned that the sinking of the 1,200-tonne Cheonan off the south-west Coast of Baengnyeong Island in the Yellow Sea was due to a surprise torpedo attack by North Korea. This was condemned by members of the international community, including the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, France, Australia, Canada, and Sweden. (Madel Sabater)