South Africa condemns attack on consular section building in Damascus

South Africa has condemned Monday’s attack at its consular section building of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Syrian Arab Republic.

“The South African government views any attack on a diplomatic or consular establishment as a flagrant violation of international law that offers protection to diplomatic as well as consular representatives in a host State,” International Relations and Cooperation spokesperson Clayson Monyela said on Wednesday.

Monyela said the principle of protection of diplomatic and consular premises and staff constitutes a basic principle of International Law, which is required for the orderly conduct of relations between states. 

“An attack of this nature, therefore, should be a matter of concern for the whole international community. Further, the attack was a violation of Syria’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, which must be respected and upheld,” Monyela said.

The South African government conveyed its condolences to the families of the victims, as well as the government and people of the Islamic Republic of Iran following the attack. According to reports, 13 people were killed in the attack.

South Africa has called on the United Nations, including the United Nations Security Council, to hold to account those who are responsible under the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter, as well as the 1961 Convention on Diplomatic Relations, the 1963 Convention on Consular Relations and the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes Against Internationally Protected Persons of 1973.

The country has also urged all parties to exercise restraint and not to exacerbate regional tensions. – SAnews.gov.za