By Nasratu Kargbo
All Political Parties Association (APPA) has in a press statement accused outgoing United States Ambassador David Reimer of breaching the Vienna Convention.
The statement dated 24th August 2023 says “APPA-SL takes note of the statement made by the outgoing US Ambassador as a total breached of the Vienna convention and wish to state that such statement undermined the respect of diplomatic principles covering each and every diplomat in a nation state”.
The Association in the release encouraged all diplomats to ensure that they respect and uphold the Vienna Convention, noting that it prohibits the interference of diplomats from meddling into the internal politics of a country.
APPA in the statement advised all diplomats that have concerns to make sure they engage established state institutions and the government whenever they have issues to address, instead of using what the association referred to as “inappropriate medium and non-diplomatic sentiments in a sovereign nation”.
Speaking on inclusion, the association says “APPA-SL therefore, appeals that smaller or emerging political parties are allowed to actively involved in key governance processes”.
The statement explained that the association has observed that since the reintroduction of multi-party democracy in the country in the late 1990's, smaller or emerging political parties have been deprived in terms of inclusiveness and active participation in governance processes.
It called on the government to ensure there is peace in the nation, stating “APPA-SL calls on the government to facilitate a national dialogue forum that will address the present political tensions in order to address our long standing challenges”.
It explained that the government should continue with its development strides and give more attention in ensuring the promotion of national cohesion, inclusive governance, consolidation of peace and democracy, protection of human rights, advancement of the Rule of Law and press freedom.
In addition, the association through the statement, called on all political parties to come together and discourage sentiments that are only beneficial to self or partisan interest rather than nation.
“We call on Sierra Leoneans to remain peaceful and discountenance hateful, inciteful and tribally decorated comments that have the potential to undermine the peace and national cohesion drive of Sierra Leone” a part of the statement reads.
Article 41 of the Vienna Convention states “Without prejudice to their privileges and immunities, it is the duty of all persons enjoying such privileges and immunities to respect the laws and regulations of the receiving state. They also have a duty not to interfere in the internal affairs of that state”, APPA quoted.
Copyright © 2023 Politico (28/08/23)
