PRESS CONFERENCE BY PRESIDENT OF SECURITY COUNCIL

19 December 1996



Press Briefing

PRESS CONFERENCE BY PRESIDENT OF SECURITY COUNCIL

19961219 FOR INFORMATION OF UNITED NATIONS SECRETARIAT ONLY

At a Headquarters Press Conference this afternoon, held after consultations among Security Council members, the President of the Council, Francesco Paolo Fulci of Italy issued the following statement:

"The Members of the Security Council of the United Nations vigorously condemn the occupation of the residence of the Ambassador of Japan in Lima, Peru, and the taking of hostages by terrorist elements. This intolerable act constitutes also an assault against the international community as a whole.

"The Security Council has always firmly condemned terrorist acts, whatever the circumstances, in the most unequivocal terms. Such acts constitute a violation of basic principles of international law and of human rights, as well as an attempt to jeopardize the democratic system and threaten peace and security.

"The members of the Council express their solidarity with the Governments of Peru and Japan, as well as with the governments of all countries concerned, and appeal for the immediate release of all officials, diplomats and other persons being held hostage."

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For information media. Not an official record.