Madrid: The nations of Southeast Asia and the European Union Thursday expressed "deep concern" over the rising tensions in the Korean peninsula and called on both sides to exercise restraint.
"The ministers reiterated their deep concern over the rising tension following the sinking of the Cheonan and the recent publication of the findings of an investigation
conducted by the Republic of Korea," the EU and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) said in a joint statement.
"The ministers called on all parties concerned to exercise restraint and to step up efforts to promote lasting peace and security on the Korean peninsula."
Foreign ministers and senior officials of the two regional groupings made the statement at the end of a one-day conference in Madrid, amid rising tensions over the sinking of
the South Korean warship the Cheonan.
Bureau Report
First Published: Thursday, May 27, 2010, 12:11