The United States says that how the U.N. Security Council (UNSC) responds to North Korea’s sinking of the “Cheonan” naval ship will be up for debate.

State Department spokesman Philip Crowley told reporters Tuesday that Washington expects to see an appropriate response from the Security Council on Seoul’s request for the council to address the matter. He added, however, that the specific response the council takes will be discussed in an upcoming debate.

Crowley said earlier on Monday that the U.S. expected "a strong statement" on North Korea from the Security Council, raising speculation that the U.S. is seeking a presidential statement rather than a resolution on the matter.