Hostage: The Abridgement of International Laws
Hostage: The Abridgement of International Laws
Hostage: The Abridgement of International Laws
Hostage: The Abridgement of International Laws
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Hostage: The Abridgement of International Laws
1979 newsreel of demonstration in Tehran, Iran: Islamic militants march with large Arabic banners, eventually AK-47 assault rifles; VO talks about Iran taking hostages from American embassy, then demanding the return of the exiled Shah (a corrupt former Iranian leader who had sought asylum in the U.S.).
Hostage: The Abridgement of International Laws
Host Paul Berry in studio, introducing show, giving situational background information.
Hostage: The Abridgement of International Laws
November 28th, 1979 President Jimmy Carter speaking at press conference where he condemns Iran's actions, saying they have reprehensively violated international law. "The actions of Iran have shocked the civilized world. For a government to applaud mob violence and terrorism, for a government actually to support and, in effect, participate in the taking and the holding of hostages is unprecedented in human history. This violates not only the most fundamental precepts of international law but the common ethical and religious heritage of humanity. There is no recognized religious faith on Earth which condones kidnaping. There is no recognized religious faith on Earth which condones blackmail. There is certainly no religious faith on Earth which condones the sustained abuse of innocent people. We are deeply concerned about the inhuman and degrading conditions imposed on the hostages. From every corner of the world, nations and people have voiced their strong revulsion and condemnation of Iran and have joined us in calling for the release of the hostages. (cutaway shots of a United Nations Security Council hearing on the Iranian Hostage crisis.) Last night, a statement of support was released and was issued by the President of the United Nations General Assembly, the Security Council, on behalf of all of its members. We expect a further Security Council meeting on Saturday night, at which more firm and official action may be taken to help in obtaining the release of the American hostages." (End of the speech is heard over a shot of the UN)
Hostage: The Abridgement of International Laws
General view of UN Security Council meeting. US Ambassador to UN Security Council Donald McHenry speaking at the hearing; says that the international community condemns the violation of international law. "There is in the United States a unity of purpose, a disciplined sensitivity to the needs of peace, a determination to search out for a peaceful means to bring this dispute to a just conclusion, and also a determination to do what must be done to protect our fellow citizens and the rule of law. That unity of purpose is shared by all Americans. Mr. President, the hostages must be freed.
Hostage: The Abridgement of International Laws
General view of the UN Security Council meeting. Mauritius Ambassador to UN Security Council, Radha Ramphul, Flagrant violations of international laws, conventions and treaties, and diplomatic practice dating from times immoral, cannot, must not, will not be tolerated by the international community.
Hostage: The Abridgement of International Laws
General view of the UN Security Council meeting. Federal Republic of Germany Ambassador to UN Security Council, Rudiger von Wechmar, The inviolability of members of diplomatic missions is indispensable for peaceful communications among nations. This is a long standing principle which has stood the test of time and which is respected by all states regardless of cultural traditions, religion, or ideology. This principle of international law is embodied notably in the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations which Iran too has ratified.
Hostage: The Abridgement of International Laws
General view of the UN Security Council meeting. Japan Ambassador to UN Security Council, Masahiro Nisibori, In addition to the humanitarian considerations, the present situation, regardless of the reasons involved, constitutes a deviation from the well established norms of international law concerning the inviolability of diplomatic personal and property.
Hostage: The Abridgement of International Laws
Bolivia Ambassador to UN Security Council, Dr. Sergio de Vizzio, The Latin America group reiterates its firm support with the standards of international law that guarantee the inviolability of diplomatic personal and premises as well as respect and protection for diplomatic agents.
Hostage: The Abridgement of International Laws
Greece Ambassador to UN Security Council, Nicolas Katapodis diplomatic envoy, not because his life and safety are greater value than that of his fellow human beings but because the protection of his person is an essential prerequisite for the conduct of international life resides in a long tradition. It would be both sad and dangerous if this tradition were to be broken. My government has already conveyed this view to the appropriate authorities in Tehran. In doing so we are acting on two premises. First of all because we believe that the respective international law and in this particular case, the Vienna Convention, is an absolute necessity if we want to preserve international order.