UNITED STATES MISSION TO THE UNITED NATIONS

OFFICE OF PRESS AND PUBLIC DIPLOMACY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 6, 2020

We appreciate the 27 United Nations Member States that spoke out against the December 31 Iran-orchestrated attack on the U.S. embassy in Baghdad. They clearly recognize the importance of a host country’s obligations under the 1961 Vienna Convention to protect diplomatic and consular premises.

Their comments stand in stark contrast to the United Nations Security Council’s silence due to two permanent members – Russia and China – not allowing a statement to proceed. Indeed, not allowing the United Nations Security Council to issue the most basic of statements underscoring the inviolability of diplomatic and consular premises once again calls the Council’s credibility into question. Such expressions of support should not be controversial or warrant courage.

As we have demonstrated, we will not tolerate attacks on U.S. personnel and facilities and will respond decisively to protect our interests, citizens, and allies.

###