Security council condemns attack against Russian embassy in Libya

The United Nations Security Council has strongly condemned Wednesday’s attack against the Russian embassy in Tripoli, Libya, which caused serious damage to the diplomatic premises. In a statement issued today, the members of the Council expressed deep concern at the attack and underlined the need to bring the perpetrators to justice. "Such acts are unjustifiable regardless of their motivations, whenever and by whosoever committed," the statement said. According to reports, the Russian foreign ministry evacuated its embassy in Libya yesterday after armed men stormed the complex the day before. The 15-member Council called on the Libyan authorities to protect diplomatic and consular property and personnel, and to respect fully their international obligations in this regard. They also recalled the fundamental principle of the inviolability of diplomatic and consular premises, and the obligations on host governments to take all appropriate steps to protect diplomatic and consular premises against any intrusion or damage, and to prevent any attack on diplomatic premises, agents and consular officers.