KUWAIT CITY, Feb 5: Undersecretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Khalid Al-Jarallah severely condemned the attack on the Syrian embassy and residence of Ambassador Bassam Abdul Hamid, saying it is an attack on Kuwait and its security.

A group of Syrian residents and a few Kuwaitis had stormed the embassy, vandalized it and lowered the Syrian flag Saturday morning in protest against the bloodshed in Syria.

Calling the attack unacceptable and unjustifiable, Al-Jarallah said such acts violate the Vienna Convention that governs international relations and member country’s dealing with diplomatic missions and their members.

Al-Jarallah, accompanied by Director of Protocol at the Foreign Ministry Ambassador Dhari Al-Ajran, had visited the embassy after the attack and deplored the devastation, destruction and vandalism caused by the protesters. “Kuwait cannot accept such acts, regardless of the reason or justification,” he reiterated.
Al-Jarallah noted that security around the embassy will be tightened in coordination with the Ministry of Interior, National Guard and other security services to foil similar attempts in the future.

A number of people were arrested for the attack and are currently being interrogated by security authorities, he said, adding the entire incident was recorded by surveillance cameras and the footage has been handed to security services.

When asked about the possibility of a retaliatory attack on Kuwaiti Embassy in Damascus, the undersecretary said he is in touch with the Syrian authorities. “Syrian authorities have assured that all necessary measures will be taken to ensure the safety and security of all members of Kuwaiti diplomatic mission in Damascus,” he added.