Abu Dhabi, UAE – The Muslim Council of Elders strongly condemned on Sunday the riots and attacks targeting the UAE Embassy and the residence of its head of mission in the Syrian capital, Damascus.
The Council considered the incidents a serious violation of international norms and conventions.
In an official statement, the Council affirmed its categorical rejection of
all forms of violence and attacks against diplomatic missions and their personnel.
It also stressed the necessity of respecting international laws that guarantee the protection of such premises.
A clear violation of international law
The Council explained that attacks on embassies constitute a clear violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
The Convention stipulates the inviolability of diplomatic premises and the necessity of protecting them from any attacks.
It noted that such acts threaten the stability of relations between states and undermine the foundations of diplomatic work.
A call for full protection
The statement stressed the importance of taking the necessary measures
to provide full protection for diplomats and diplomatic mission premises.
It affirmed that the security of these facilities is the responsibility of the host state,
in accordance with international conventions.
It also called for strengthening security measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.
Calls for accountability and strengthening the rule of law
The Muslim Council of Elders called for holding those responsible for these attacks accountable,
ensuring the application of the law, preserving the dignity of the state, and safeguarding international relations.
It emphasized that impunity in such cases encourages their recurrence
and threatens the international order based on respect for laws and agreements.
This condemnation comes amidst a broad Arab wave of denunciation of the attack on the UAE embassy in Damascus.
It also comes amidst renewed emphasis on the need to respect the inviolability of diplomatic missions
and guarantee the safety of their personnel in accordance with international law.
