The sanctity of diplomatic premises is a principle the United States has a large stake in defending.

On Sunday, it extended those restrictions, canceling all social functions and curbing nonessential trips outside diplomatic premises.

He also called on the Libyan government to "take all necessary measures to protect diplomatic premises in accordance with Libya's international obligations."

On the other hand, a diplomatic car will have distinctive license plates and may be under surveillance whenever it leaves diplomatic premises.

We call on the authorities of all countries to protect all diplomatic premises and foreign citizens against unlawful attack.

Mr. Wilson reminded the Iraqis of their responsibility to guarantee the integrity of diplomatic premises.

The unit's main purpose is to provide specialist protection for diplomatic premises in London, such as embassies, high commissions, and consular sections.

The following day Iraqi troops entered the diplomatic premises of Canada, Belgium and France.

"Here we have the violation of a diplomatic premise and wherever that happens in the world it must be considered very grave."

This has led to violent protests against the British High Commission and other diplomatic premises.