International law distinguishes between (at least) two kinds of interna-tional relations.1 This is stipulated by the existence of two separate treaties: the two Vienna Conventions of 1961 and 1963 have codified the rules with respect to dip-lomatic and consular relations respectively.2 A fundamental difference is that a dip-lomatic agent is a political representative of a state, while a consular officer has no such function.3...

Although diplomatic protection and consular assistance are closely related, the key distinction is that diplomatic protection is an inter-State intervention conducted by diplomatic oficials or government representatives attached to the foreign ministry acting on behalf of the State� Conversely, consular assistance is rendered by consuls not engaged in political representation, acting on behalf of a national� In cases where an...