[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 80 (Tuesday, May 25, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E925-E926]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




EXPRESSING SYMPATHY TO FAMILIES OF SOUTH KOREAN SEAMEN KILLED BY NORTH 
                                 KOREA

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. RICK LARSEN

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 24, 2010

  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my 
support for H. Res. 1382, a resolution expressing sympathy to the 
families of those killed by North Korea

[[Page E926]]

in the sinking of the South Korean ship Cheonan, and solidarity with 
South Korea in the aftermath of this tragic incident.
  On March 26, the South Korean ship Cheonan sank in the Yellow Sea 
following an explosion, killing 46 sailors. I offer my condolences to 
the families, friends, and loved ones of those killed in this tragic 
incident.
  In the two months following the sinking of the Cheonan, the South 
Korean government has undertaken extensive forensic work with a team of 
impartial international investigators to determine the cause of the 
explosion. Their work leaves no doubt that the sinking of the Cheonan 
and the death of 46 sailors was the direct result of a torpedo fired by 
North Korea.
  The United States stands with President Lee Myung-bak and fully 
supports the measures he has taken to respond to the sinking of the 
Cheonan. President Lee's decision to close sea lanes and cut off trade 
with North Korea sends a strong message that South Korea will not 
tolerate unprovoked aggression.
  South Korea is a strong ally of the United States, and as the 
President has made clear, our commitment to supporting their defense is 
unequivocal.
  I urge the international community to join with South Korea and the 
United States to condemn North Korea's unacceptable, belligerent 
behavior.
  And I urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 1382 and send a strong 
message that the United States Congress stands with South Korea during 
this difficult time.

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