The United States says it stands by South Korea in regards to the results of the Seoul-led international investigation into the sinking of the "Cheonan.”

In a daily news briefing, State Department spokesman Philip Crowley said the evidence assembled during the investigation points clearly to North Korea and a North Korean torpedo.

He said another investigation is not warranted at this point. He said the investigation result is clear and compelling.

Crowley was responding to a reporter's remark that North Korea had sent a letter to the U.N. Security Council suggesting that a new investigation into the Cheonan incident be launched.

Crowley said North Korea should take responsibility for its actions and cease its provocative behavior, adding that the international community needs to send a direct and clear message to Pyongyang.