Swiss say stray Venezuela golf balls violate Vienna Convention
Large placard is seen on the fence of the residence of Switzerland's ambassador to Venezuela
CARACAS (Reuters) -- A dispute has been tee d off between Switzerland s ambassador to Venezuela and a neighboring elite golf club, after a banner appeared at the diplomat s residence warning that golf balls injuring or killing anyone inside would violate the Vienna Convention.
The large placard, located on the residence s fence near the third of the Caracas Country Club s 18 holes, begins by explaining that the residence is considered Swiss territory.
"Launching balls into this residence is a danger to whoever is within Swiss territory and a violation of the Vienna Convention if a golf ball injures or kills anyone on Swiss soil."
Ambassador Sabine Ulmann told Reuters she had nothing to say on the matter. Her residence is located in a wealthy area of Caracas, alongside the official residences of many other European nations.
The private Caracas Country Club itself is one of Venezuela s most elite hangouts. It was derided by late President Hugo Chavez, who described golf as a "bourgeois" sport.
The Venezuelan Federation of Golf said in a statement that it had read the sign with "astonishment."
"We have no fear whatsoever that we are attacking Swiss territory should a golf ball land in embassy premises," the statement read. It added that the sign appeared a "strange overreaction."
Article 30 of the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations states: "The private residence of a diplomatic agent shall enjoy the same inviolability and protection as the premises of the mission."
