SECURITY COUNCIL EXPRESSES PROFOUND REGRETS OVER BOMBING OF CHINESE EMBASSY, DEEP SORROW FOR LOSS OF LIVES, INJURIES, PROPERTY DAMAGE CAUSED

14 May 1999

Press Release
SC/6675

SECURITY COUNCIL EXPRESSES PROFOUND REGRETS OVER BOMBING OF CHINESE EMBASSY, DEEP SORROW FOR LOSS OF LIVES, INJURIES, PROPERTY DAMAGE CAUSED

19990514 Council Observes Minute of Silence in Memory of Victims, Presidential Statement Stresses Need for Investigation of NATO Bombing

The Security Council tonight expressed profound regrets over the bombing of the Embassy of China in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia on 7 May. The Council expressed deep sorrow for the loss of lives, injuries and property damage caused by the bombing, and noted that regrets and apologies were expressed for the tragedy by members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

In a statement read out by its President, Denis Dangue Rewaka (Gabon), the Council reaffirmed that the principle of the inviolability of diplomatic personnel and premises must be respected in all cases in accordance with internationally accepted norms.

Expressing its deep distress and concern over the bombing of the Embassy and its deepest sympathy and profound condolences to the Chinese Government and families of the victims, the Council further stressed the need for a complete and thorough investigation of the bombing by NATO.

At the outset of the meeting, the President, on behalf of the Council, extended condolences to the Government and people of China, as well as to the families of the three victims of the "tragic incident that occurred in the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Belgrade on 7 May 1999".

The Council then observed a minute of silence in memory of the victims.

The meeting was called to order at 11:22 p.m. and adjourned at 11:29 p.m.

Presidential Statement

The full text of the presidential statement, which will be issued as document S/PRST/1999/12, reads as follows:

Security Council - 2 - Press Release SC/6675 4001st Meeting (Night) 14 May 1999

"The Security Council recalls the press statement by the President on 8 May 1999 and expresses its deep distress and concern over the bombing of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia on 7 May 1999, which has caused serious casualties and property damage. The Council expresses its deepest sympathy and profound condolences to the Chinese Government and families of the victims.

"The Security Council expresses profound regrets over the bombing and deep sorrow for the loss of lives, injuries and property damage caused by the bombing, and notes that regrets and apologies were expressed for this tragedy by members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The Council, bearing in mind the Charter of the United Nations, reaffirms that the principle of the inviolability of diplomatic personnel and premises must be respected in all cases in accordance with internationally accepted norms.

"The Security Council stresses the need for a complete and thorough investigation of the bombing by NATO. In this connection, it takes note of the fact that an investigation has been initiated by NATO and awaits the results of the investigation.

"The Security Council will remain seized of the matter."

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