Moscow concerned by U.S. refusal to ensure safety of diplomats in Iraq
http://www.moscowtimes.ru/doc/HotNews.html#41344~snip~
Saturday, Jul. 12, 2003, 4:19 PM Moscow Time
MOSCOW. July 12 (Interfax) - The Russian Foreign Ministry has expressed concern over U.S. Ambassador to Russia Alexander Vershbow's remarks that the United States does not consider the Russian Embassy in Baghdad a diplomatic mission and assumes no responsibility for the personnel's safety.
"This position is far from flawless in light of international legal norms and the generally acknowledged diplomatic practice," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Saturday.
"The 1961 Vienna convention clearly stipulates that diplomatic relations are established between countries. Since the current occupation of Iraq does not influence the existence of Iraq as a country, its diplomatic relations with Russia are continued. The diplomats accredited in Iraq who are staying in its territory and outside it have not lost their diplomatic status in the country," he said.
"Furthermore, the UN Security Council Resolution No 1483 stipulates that although the internationally-recognized government of Iraq is yet to be set up, the occupying powers are to continue carrying out the duties and commitments consistent with the pertinent international legal norms," the statement reads.
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