UN Security Council deplores attacks against embassies in Syria

Syrian women protesting in May 2011. Photos : UN

UN Security Council members Tuesday strongly condemned the recent attacks against embassies and consular premises in Syria and urged the country’s authorities to meet their international obligations to protect diplomatic and consular property and personnel. Media reports say that pro-Government demonstrators attacked embassies and consulates in several cities, including Damascus, causing serious damage to the buildings.


The attacks follow the decision of the Arab League to suspend Syria’s membership until authorities end their continued crackdown on anti-Government protesters.
More than 3,500 people have died since an uprising, in line with similar protests in other countries across North Africa and the Middle East, began early this year, according to UN figures.
In a press statement issued today, the 15-member Council condemned the attacks, noting they resulted in intrusions into diplomatic premises.
The 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,” the statement said. (APP)