The Foreign Ministry says the results of Wednesday’s local elections will not have a direct impact on the diplomatic response to the sinking of the “Cheonan.”

Ministry spokesman Kim Young-sun told reporters that because the Cheonan incident is a key issue in national security, Seoul’s plan to take stern, appropriate measures with international partners remains unchanged.

Kim said the ministry is discussing with the relevant nations sending the matter to the United Nations Security Council. He added that the ministry is hoping to decide as soon as possible the timing of such a move.