The Vienna Conventions on Diplomatic and on Consular Relations: A Philosophy of the Preambles
The Vienna Conventions on Diplomatic and on Consular Relations: A Philosophy of the Preambles

Summary/Abstract: The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and The Vienna Convention on Consular Relations constitute the very focal part of the diplomatic and consular law and its codification. Although adopted six decades ago, they remain an irreplaceable part of defining, explaining and implementation of diplomatic work, roles of diplomats, their mission and relations among key actors of this profession and activity. This article dwells on the substances, understanding and messages of the preambles of both Conventions. They rest on tradition, are rich with continuity, flexibility as well as with defined legal form and structure. Their language is dry, formal, nuanced, direct and open at the same time. They content moral and ethical aspects, but also functionality, pointing out that diplomacy must be based on rules that respect legal basis of human behaviour and on promotion of friendly relations among nations, regardless of differences that exist among them. We understand this as a philosophy of the preambles.

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