Mr. Chairman, 

 

We draw the attention of the international community to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, namely, maintenance of international peace and security, the promotion of friendly relations among nations and the sovereign equality of States.  

 

In our view, the diplomatic and consular missions play a crucial role in carrying out the purposes of the United Nations Charter by applying the principles enshrined therein. They discharge a very sensitive and high responsibility of promoting exchange of views among nations, with the aim of developing friendly relations among them.

 

Mr. Chairman,

 

We consider that given the importance and sensitivity of their role, the protection of the diplomatic and consular missions and representatives is the basic foundation of diplomatic and international relations between States.

 

Such protection becomes essential to ensure the smooth discharge of official functions by the diplomatic and consular representatives. So becomes essential the security and safety of missions' premises to ensure a peaceful and workable environment. 

 

Mr. Chairman,

 

We would like to thank the Secretary-General for his report A/69/185 entitled 'Consideration of effective measures to enhance the protection, security and safety of diplomatic and consular missions and representatives.' 

 

The report, inter-alia incorporates information received from States, pursuant to the General Assembly resolution A/RES/67/94, regarding serious violations of the protection, security and safety of diplomatic and consular missions and representatives; and also about the measures taken to ensure that such violations do not take place.

 

Mr. Chairman,

 

We strongly condemn all acts of violence against the security and safety of diplomatic and consular missions and representatives. It is a serious concern and it needs to be addressed effectively.

 

We firmly believe that crimes against diplomatic agents and other internationally protected persons create a serious threat to the maintenance of normal international relations which are necessary for cooperation among nations. 

 

The international community has, with a view to ensuring the protection, security and safety of diplomatic and consular missions and representatives, concluded international instruments, including the Vienna Conventions on Diplomatic Relations and on Consular Relations and their Protocols; and the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes against Internationally Protected Persons including Diplomatic Agents.

 

Mr. Chairman,

 

India is Party to these conventions and protocols. All States parties must realize the importance of these instruments and carry out the obligations assumed there-under with a sense of responsibility. We stress the need for those States that have not already done so to become a party to these instruments.

 

India believes that it is necessary to uphold the norms of peaceful international discourse and in that the safety and security of diplomatic personnel must be fully respected. All measures that are necessary to protect the diplomatic and consular missions and representatives must be taken at all levels, when required, even in addition to the existing international instruments.

 

Thank you.