Security Council Press Statement on Attacks against Diplomatic Premises in Syria

 

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President José Filipe Moraes Cabral (Portugal):

The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the attacks against several embassies and consular premises in Syria, which have resulted in intrusions into diplomatic and consular premises, causing serious damage.

The members of the Security Council recalled the fundamental principle of the inviolability of diplomatic and consular premises and the obligations on host Governments, including under the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and under the 1963 Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, to take all appropriate steps to protect diplomatic and consular premises against any intrusion or damage, and prevent any disturbance of the peace of these missions or impairment of their dignity.

In this context, recalling the press statement of 12 July 2011 (Press Release SC/10321) and expressing their deep concern at the repetition of such attacks, the members of the Security Council reiterated their call on the Syrian authorities to protect diplomatic and consular property and personnel, and fully respect their international obligations in this regard.

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For information media • not an official record