The United States has addressed the Organization of American States (OAS) Special Permanent Council regarding recent incidents involving diplomatic premises in the region. The remarks, delivered during a meeting requested by Peru and attended by Foreign Minister de Zela, focused on upholding international norms related to diplomatic asylum and the inviolability of embassies.
A U.S. representative referenced Ambassador Rizzuto’s earlier comments, stating: “a constructive, principled exchange is the best way for this Council to address difficult issues and reinforce the norms that keep our Hemisphere stable and secure.”
The United States emphasized its commitment to international law concerning diplomatic relations. "We recognize that host countries have an obligation under international law to respect the inviolability of diplomats and diplomatic missions. The United States condemns any violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations," the statement read.
Concerns were also raised about tactics used against embassies. "We are equally concerned by siege tactics that effectively trap people inside embassies and place diplomatic missions under sustained pressure. For example, we called for safe passage and worked with partners to ensure that Venezuelan opposition staff who were effectively held for over a year could reach safety."
While noting it is not party to the 1954 Caracas Convention on Diplomatic Asylum, the United States clarified its position: "The United States is not a party to the 1954 Caracas Convention on Diplomatic Asylum and does not recognize diplomatic asylum as a general rule of international law. Our practice is grounded in the Vienna Conventions and in our domestic asylum and refugee framework. But we share the region’s interest in preventing new crises and in ensuring that any use of diplomatic premises for protection is consistent with international law, including non-refoulement, and with respect for sovereignty and the rule of law."
The U.S. expressed appreciation for ongoing technical work within OAS bodies such as the Inter-American Juridical Committee, as well as relevant human rights institutions, which aim to clarify best practices around handling disputes over asylum while balancing protection needs with judicial integrity.
Three core principles were outlined for member states:
- Respecting inviolability of diplomatic missions;
- Avoiding harassment or siege tactics against these missions;
- Ensuring responsible use of protection mechanisms so embassies do not become permanent refuges from legal accountability.
"The United States will continue to stand up for diplomatic inviolability, for the safety of those facing genuine political persecution, and for the rule of law and accountability across our Hemisphere," concluded the U.S. representative.