Statement by Minister for Foreign Affairs Tobias Billström on the storming of the Swedish Embassy in Baghdad

At 2 am this morning local time, violent protesters stormed the Swedish Embassy in Baghdad. The Embassy office was occupied, vandalised and set on fire. 

A similar incident occurred less than a month ago. What has happened is unacceptable and the Government condemns these attacks in the strongest possible terms.

Iraqi authorities have an unequivocal obligation to protect diplomatic missions and diplomatic staff in accordance with the Vienna Convention. It is clear that the Iraqi authorities have failed to fulfil this obligation.

The Government is in communication with high-level Iraqi representatives to express its dismay. The Iraqi Chargé d’Affaires in Stockholm has been summoned to the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

Fortunately, the staff at the Swedish Embassy were able to move to safety. The Government is now reviewing what further measures need to be taken.