The term embassy has two meanings. One meaning concerns the joint diplomatic representatives of a state and the second meaning of embassy is the building of that diplomatic representation. The embassy is headed by an ambassador who represents the head of state in his position. Embassies are known for their representatives acting diplomatically and communicating with caution and tact.
King represented abroad by ambassador in host country
The ambassador is responsible for negotiations, communication and cultural exchange between his country and the host country. An ambassador represents the head of state in office. The embassy is also a point of contact for citizens of the home country who are staying in the host country.
Cautious and tactful action by diplomatic representatives
Diplomatic representatives, who work in an embassy, are experts such as the ambassador (the highest in rank) and the civil servants (his employees). These officials conduct state negotiations in a diplomatic manner. A diplomatic manner involves a cautious and tactful attitude.
Inviolability
An embassy, in the sense of a building, is usually located in the city where the government of the host country in question is located. For example, in the Netherlands there are various embassies of other countries in The Hague and in Belgium in Brussels. In addition to an embassy, some countries sometimes also have one or more consulates in the host country. The grounds on which the embassy and the ambassador’s residence are located enjoy inviolability. Contrary to popular belief, the site is not the territory of the ambassador’s home country but of the host country. However, the area may only be entered if the ambassador gives permission.
Embassies, targets for attacks
Embassies have a clear political function and are therefore often targets for demonstrators and terrorist attackers. An example of this is the attacks on the embassies in Denmark, Lebanon and Syria after cartoons about Mohammed appeared in the Danish daily Jyllands-Posten. On September 30, 2005, the newspaper published a series of twelve satirical political cartoons, drawn by Kurt Westergaard, with images of the prophet Mohammed or relating to Mohammed or Islam.
Legations
Predecessors of the Dutch embassies were legations, also known as legations. These legations existed until 1940 and represented the Netherlands abroad. The legations in London and Washington were elevated to embassies in 1942, which was later the case with all legations.
Previously only large countries
Even longer ago, before the First World War, only the major countries had an embassy. Smaller countries such as the Netherlands and Belgium had envoys, ministers plenipotentiary and consul generals who acted as diplomatic representatives. Large countries adhered to this arrangement because otherwise they would be obliged to appoint an ambassador in every small country. Eventually, however, all representatives were upgraded to ambassadors.
Men as well as women
The position of ambassador is open to both men and women and falls under the minister of foreign affairs. However, the term ambassador does not apply to a female ambassador. Ambassador refers to the wife of an ambassador. A female ambassador is called an ambassador.
Recall ambassador
To achieve strong symbolism and disapproval towards the host country, a country can recall its ambassador. This happens if, in the opinion of a country, the host country has done something that is considered unacceptable or if relations between the two countries have deteriorated significantly due to an incident or a political situation.
Ambassador on the mat
An ambassador can also be called to account on behalf of his country for his country’s actions or statements. If the ambassador has behaved in such a way that this is unacceptable to the host country, he can be sent back to his country.
For charities
By the way, the term ambassador is not only used for a leader of the embassy but also for a special representative of a group or organization. As a rule, this concerns groups or organizations for charities. The ambassador is often a well-known person who is able to promote the charity. Some well-known ambassadors for Unicef were or are Audrey Hepburn, Danny Kaye, Paul van Vliet, Peter Ustinov and Shakira and for War Child this is Marco Borsato. Prominent persons, such as members of the royal family, are often requested as ambassadors for charities.
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- Consulate, fewer powers than embassy
- Apply for a visa on time