Diplomatic mission: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 23:35, 9 December 2005

Revision as of 19:36, 17 December 2005

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In the past a diplomatic mission headed by a lower ranking official (an ''envoy'' or ''minister resident'') was known as a '''legation'''. Since the ranks of envoy and minister resident are effectively obsolete, the designation of ''legation'' is no longer used today. (See [[diplomatic rank]].)

In cases of dispute, it is not uncommon for a country to recall its head of mission as a sign of its displeasure. This is less drastic than cutting diplomatic relations completely, and the mission will still continue operating more or less normally, but it will now be headed by a [[chargé d'affaires]] who may have limited powers. Note that for the period of succession between two heads of missions, a ''chargé d'affaires perad interim'' (a.i. for short) may be appointed as caretaker; this does not imply any hostility to the host country.

A [[Consulate general|Consulate]] is also a diplomatic office, but undertakes a more restricted range of duties as defined by the [[Vienna Convention on Consular Relations]]. A Consulate is generally a representative of the Embassy in locales outside of the capital city. For instance, The British Embassy is in [[Washington, D.C.]], and there are British Consulates in Los Angeles, New York City, Houston, etc.

The term "embassy" is often used to refer to the building or compound housing an ambassador's offices and staff. Technically, "embassy" refers toan the[[ambassadorial diplomaticresidence|Ambassador's delegationResidence]] itself,rather whilethan the office buildingbulidings. in which they work is known as a '''chancery'''However, but this distinction is rarely used in practice. Ambassadors reside in [[ambassadorial residence]]s, whichResidences enjoy the same rights as missions.

==Role==