Security Council Press Statement on Attacks

 

against United States Diplomatic Personnel

 

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Peter Wittig (Germany):

The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the attack on the United States of America’s diplomatic mission and personnel in Benghazi, Libya, on 11 September, which resulted in the deaths of four American diplomatic personnel, including the Ambassador, and injuries to diplomatic personnel and civilians.  They expressed their deep sympathy and sincere condolences to the victims of this heinous act and to their families.

The members of the Security Council also condemned in the strongest terms the attack on the United States Embassy in Cairo, Egypt, on 11 September.

The members of the Security Council underlined the need to bring perpetrators of these acts to justice.

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that such acts are unjustifiable regardless of their motivations, whenever and by whomsoever committed.

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 the 1963 Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, to take all appropriate steps to protect diplomatic and consular premises against any intrusion or damage, and to prevent any disturbance of the peace of these missions or impairment of their dignity, and to prevent any attack on diplomatic agents and consular officers.

In this context, and expressing their deep concern at these attacks, the members of the Security Council called on all authorities to protect diplomatic and consular property and personnel, and to respect their international obligations in this regard.

The members of the Security Council underscored the durable commitment of the international community to support Libya’s successful transition to a peaceful and prosperous democracy.

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For information media • not an official record