Keep Diplomat Immunity, State Dept. Aide Says

WASHINGTON —  The State Department’s chief of protocol defended diplomatic immunity today, despite testimony from victims who told tales of rapes and assaults gone unpunished, saying, “We are an honorable nation--we are not an Iran. We have set our signature on a treaty.”

Selwa Roosevelt testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on legislation that would limit immunity for foreign diplomats. She said the policy of diplomatic immunity protects U.S. diplomats and their families at missions abroad.

“If the United States government unilaterally alters its treaty obligation, we surely will invite more harmful reciprocal action,” she said.

Changes Proposed

Sen. Jesse Helms (R-N.C.) has introduced legislation that would limit immunity for diplomats accused of violent crimes, drug trafficking and driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.

Helms was spurred by incidents such as the 1982 shooting of nightclub bouncer Kenny Skeen allegedly by the son of the Brazilian ambassador.

While Skeen lay unconscious in a Washington hospital, police confiscated two guns from the son, Antonio da Silveira, and charged him with assault. But when he revealed his father’s diplomatic status, the complaint was dropped and the son was released to embassy officials.