EU Presidency Statement - Security of diplomatic missions

Mr. Chairman,

It is my honour to speak on behalf of the European Union, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Turkey concerning the Agenda item entitled "Consideration of effective measures to enhance the protection, security and safety of diplomatic and consular missions and representatives".

The rising number of breaches of the provisions of international law relating both to the security of diplomatic and consular staff and the inviolability of their properties has led the Sixth Commission to study this problem since 1980. Owing to numerous incidents, it became urgently necessary to reassert the principles of international law relating to diplomatic and consular relations and investigate new modalities of application capable of putting a stop to these violations. Unfortunately, this task remains relevant today, as illustrated by the Report by the Secretary-General, which gives evidence of some recent cases of breaches of international law relating to diplomatic and consular protection.

The European Union reasserts, as in previous examinations of this matter, the crucial importance of effective protection of diplomatic and consular staff in the conduct of international relations. The privileges and immunities enjoyed by diplomatic and consular staff and premises form an essential guarantee against various obstacles and pressures. They are mutually beneficial to all States in that their purpose is to facilitate contacts.

The rules of international law concerning diplomatic protection, long before being codified, have their roots far back in history. Since antiquity, intermediaries among nations have had to be protected in the interests of building peace among states. Everyone is aware of the eminent contribution made by diplomatic relations to the establishment of relations of trust among nations and concord among peoples. Any acceptance of lessened protection under the system of diplomatic and consular immunities would amount to endangering those objectives.

The obligation of guaranteeing the physical safety of staff obviously remains the most important one. The European Union is prepared to participate in all efforts aimed at guaranteeing and strengthening the right of diplomatic and consular staff to protection and security.

For this reason we consider it highly useful to reassert by a United Nations Resolution, as in 1998 by Resolution 53/97, that States must strictly observe and implement the provisions of international law relating to diplomatic and consular relations. More especially, host States are responsible for ensuring the protection of diplomatic and consular staffs and missions against groups or organizations whose intention it might be to threaten their security. This message, regularly reaffirmed by the international community, is a reminder of the absolute obligations incumbent on every State to guarantee diplomatic and consular relations free of all pressure on persons and property alike.

The Report by the Secretary-General gives the latest information on adhesions to the multilateral instruments relating to diplomatic and consular protection. The European Union once more rejoices in the large number of adhesions but considers that these norms deserve and should receive universal acceptance. We call again upon all those States which are not Parties to these instruments to adhere to them with all speed so as to consolidate the universal character of the international legal norms relating to diplomatic and consular protection.

Thank you Mister Chairman.

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• EU Presidency Statement - Protection, Security, and Safety of Missions and Representatives (13/10/2004)