Statement by H.E. Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations, at Security Council meeting on Threats to International Peace and Security (airstrike on Iran’s Diplomatic Premises in Syria)

Thank you, Madam President,

Allow me to firstly congratulate Malta on the assumption of the Presidency of the Council and also to thank Japan for its excellent stewardship of the Council last month.

Guyana thanks the Presidency for convening today’s meeting following reports of an incident involving an airstrike against an Iranian diplomatic facility in Damascus, Syria yesterday. We thank Assistant Secretary-General, Mr. Khaled Khiari for the update provided and acknowledge the participation of the Permanent Representatives of Iran and Syria in the meeting.  

Guyana strongly condemns this attack. We maintain that any attack against a diplomatic facility is unacceptable and contravenes the fundamental safeguards established in international law, including the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes Against Internationally Protected Persons, including Diplomatic Agents.

Guyana joins other Council members in also reaffirming the principles of respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, including the prohibition on the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, as enshrined in the United Nations Charter and calls upon all States to fully comply with these obligations.

We further call for a thorough and swift investigation to determine the circumstances of this incident. We also urge due caution and restraint by all parties and impress upon those involved to avoid any further escalation of tensions in the region that could result in even more tragic consequences.

I thank you.