South Korean UN envoy faces questions over response to DMZ mine explosion
In short
South Korean lawmakers questioned the country's UN ambassador in New York on October 13 over the response to a mine explosion in the demilitarised zone. The ambassador said a Security Council response remained undecided and that he had not consulted other council members about the issue.
Read the full story 1 min read
South Korean lawmakers questioned UN Ambassador Cha Ji-hun (차지훈) about the mission's response to a demilitarised-zone mine explosion during an October 13 parliamentary audit in New York. Yonhap reported that Cha said the government's strategic decision on a Security Council response had not yet been made. Chosun Ilbo reported that he understood the government was considering a letter to the council president or a meeting. [ 2 , 4 ]
Cha said he had not consulted the US ambassador or representatives of other Security Council members about the incident. Opposition lawmakers criticised the lack of consultations and argued that the mission should establish other members' views and report them to the government. Chosun Ilbo reported that one lawmaker called for gathering support to pressure North Korea even if Chinese and Russian opposition prevented a resolution. [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]
The ambassador defended his October 8 intervention in the General Assembly's First Committee, where he raised the mine issue and called for a North Korean apology. During the audit, he said South Korean and UN Command investigations had concluded that North Korea planted the mine, according to Chosun Ilbo. The outlet reported that he did not give a clear answer on whether the explosion was intentional. North Korea had challenged South Korea's position at the committee, citing remarks by the South Korean unification minister. [ 2 , 4 ]
Lawmakers also questioned Cha's qualifications and personal links to President Lee Jae-myung. Cha replied that other countries also appointed ambassadors who were not career diplomats. He cited about 512 external activities during the past year, including meetings with ambassadors and UN officials. Democratic Party lawmakers urged him to carry out his role confidently and emphasised diplomatic work toward peace on the Korean Peninsula. [ 2 ]
Why it matters
Opposition lawmakers argued that the mission should seek other Security Council members' support before the government decides its approach. The ambassador defended raising the issue at the General Assembly's First Committee on October 8 and calling for an apology from North Korea.
Key facts
- Lawmakers examined the UN mission's response during an October 13 parliamentary audit in New York. [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]
- The ambassador said he had not consulted US or other Security Council member ambassadors about the mine incident. [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]
- He said raising the issue in the General Assembly's First Committee on October 8 had value. [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]
Confirmed by several sources
Still unclear
- The government's Security Council response has not been decided. Yonhap quoted the ambassador saying no strategic decision had been made; Chosun Ilbo reported that a letter or meeting was under consideration.