Full text search :

special mission

A temporary mission, consisting of either an individual or a group, which is sent by one state to another (with the latter\'s agreement) for the purpose of dealing with it on specific questions or of performing in relation to it a specific task. The head of such a mission may be called a special ambassador or a special envoy. However, the credentials of a special mission will refer to the mission as a whole (unlike the always-personal form of those issued to the head of a diplomatic mission). If a special mission is given full powers, they too may relate to all the mission\'s members; but alternatively they may empower specified members of the mission or just its head. The functions of a special mission generally begin when it arrives in the receiving state\'s territory.

Before the establishment of permanent embassies with general functions all diplomatic missions were special missions. If the sending state already has a resident mission in the capital of the state concerned, that mission may resent the arrival of the special mission, seeing it as suggesting that the resident mission cannot competently handle the issue which has prompted the despatch of the special mission. However, in the event of the receiving state reacting badly to the work of the special mission, its use may protect the interests of the resident mission - and the special mission may in fact have been employed with that in mind. See also embassy of obedience; Special Missions, Convention on (1969).

Bookmark this page:

<< former term		next term >>
special envoy		Special Missions, Convention on (1969)

special mission

<< former term

next term >>

special envoy

Special Missions, Convention on (1969)