The United States has expressed hope that the U.N. Security Council will issue a strong, clear message to North Korea that would condemn Pyongyang’s involvement in the “Cheonan” incident.

State Department spokesman Philip Crowley told reporters Thursday that Washington continues to support South Korea and wants to see a significant statement come out of the Security Council that makes clear to North Korea that its provocative acts will not be tolerated.

Asked if the U.S. is content with a statement issued by the leaders of the Group of Eight nations that condemned the attack on the Cheonan, Crowley said that he hopes a strong U.N. measure will come about in addition to the G8 statement.