Twenty-fifth anniversary of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations

The General Assembly,

Convinced that the development of diplomatic relations in accordance with norms of international law and the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations is an important factor in building confidence, developing co-operation among States and strengthening international peace and security,

Convinced that the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961 has been widely recognized as the most authoritative and universal of the international treaties codifying the norms of international law governing diplomatic relations,

Confirming the importance it attaches to the strict compliance by States with their obligations under the Convention,

Concerned, at the same time, at still persistent cases of non-compliance with obligations under the Convention,

Expressing particular concern at the terrorist acts committed against diplomatic missions and representatives and at infringements on their inviolability,

Recalling that, in accordance with the Convention, without prejudice to their privileges and immunities, it is the duty of all persons enjoying such privileges and immunities to respect the laws and regulations of the receiving State,

1.         Reaffirms its conviction that the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations has played, for over twenty-five years, and will continue to play an essential role in promoting co-operation and understanding among States, in creating normal conditions for the activities of diplomatic missions and representatives and in the progressive development of international law in this field;

2.         Notes with satisfaction that at present one hundred and forty-nine States are parties to the Convention;

3.         Recommends to States that have not yet become parties to the Convention to consider doing so at an early date;

4.         Stresses the importance of the process of codification and progressive development of international law in the field of diplomatic relations;

5.         Calls upon all States to observe strictly the provisions of the Convention in order to create an appropriate atmosphere essential for the normal discharge by diplomatic missions of their functions;

6.         Urges all States to take effective action at national and international levels to suppress terrorist and other acts of violence against diplomatic missions and representatives, to prosecute without delay the perpetrators of such acts and, in accordance with the Convention, to avoid abuses of diplomatic privileges and immunities.