Senior European, Irish officials stress attack on Aidan O’Hara violated Sudan’s obligation to protect diplomats
ATHENS
After being attacked at his residence in the capital Khartoum on Monday, the EU ambassador to Sudan is reportedly in good condition, the Irish media reported.
Aidan O’Hara, a senior Irish diplomat serving as the bloc’s ambassador in Sudan, is said to be all right following the incident at his residence in Khartoum, said the daily Irish Times.
Micheal Martin, Ireland’s deputy prime minister as well as foreign and defense minister, remarked that he was “deeply concerned at the serious incident.”
“Although not seriously hurt, this is a gross violation of obligations to protect diplomats under the Vienna Convention. Aidan is an outstanding Irish and European diplomat who is serving the EU under the most difficult circumstances,” he added.
Earlier Monday, Joseph Borrell, the EU’s foreign policy chief, said on Twitter “This constitutes a gross violation of the Vienna Convention,” adding that the security of diplomatic premises and staff is “a primary responsibility” of Sudan’s authorities as well as an obligation under international law.
Fighting erupted on Saturday between the Sudanese army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces in the capital Khartoum and its surroundings.
Since then more than 180 people have been killed and 1,800 injured in armed clashes between the military rivals, UN envoy Volker Perthes said on Monday.
