http://www.granma.cu/ingles/ouramerica-i/23-agosto-unasur.html
Havana. August 23, 2012
UNASUR in solidarity with Ecuador and against British threats
GUAYAQUIL.—Foreign Ministers of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR),
affirmed their support for the sovereign government of Rafael Correa, in
relation to the country’s decision to grant diplomatic asylum to Julian
Assange, and condemned the UK government threat to the Ecuadorian embassy in
London.
UNASUR foreign ministers meeting in Guayaquil support Ecuador in its
diplomatic dispute with Britain.
Alí Rodríguez Araque, secretary general of the regional bloc, read the
seven-point declaration.
UNASUR:
1. Manifests its solidarity with and backing for the government of the Republic
of Ecuador in the face of the threat to violate its diplomatic mission.
2. Reiterates the sovereign right of states to grant asylum.
3. Strongly condemns the threat of the use of force among states, and
reiterates the full force of the principles enshrined in international law,
respect for sovereignty and faithful compliance with international treaties.
4. Reaffirms the fundamental principle of inviolability in relation to the
premises of diplomatic missions and consular offices and the obligation of
receptor states to abide by what is established in the 1961 Vienna Convention
on Diplomatic Relations and the 1963 Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.
5. Reaffirms the principle of international law in virtue of which internal
legislation cannot be invoked in order not to comply with an obligation of an
international nature, as established in Article 27 of the 1969 Vienna
Convention on the Law of Treaties.
6. Reiterates the validity of institutions of asylum and refuge to protect the
human rights of persons who consider that their lives or physical integrity are
endangered.
7. Calls on the parties to continue dialogue and direct negotiations directed
at finding a mutually acceptable solution in accordance with international law.
Also in Guayaquil, the 9th Political Council of the Bolivarian Alliance for the
Peoples of Our America (ALBA) expressed solidarity with Ecuador in a meeting
which reaffirmed the inviolability of any diplomatic mission in the world, as
well as respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations and
international law.
ALBA foreign ministers and delegates resolved to support the Ecuadorian
government in the wake of the United Kingdom’s intimidations, and warned London
of the consequences that an aggression of this kind would provoke, as stated in
the meeting’s unanimously approved final declaration. (Telesur)
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