63. Tell about your understanding of press release.

An alternative to organizing a press conference is to issue a press release. This document can be straightforward, setting out one’s narrative, but it also involves a specific writing technique. The media have their own interests; one must give them details that are likely to grab their attention and encourage them to write a story. A non-bureaucratic style is essential. That applies to its structure: one should start with the main news item, followed by less important details. The key points are who, what, when, how, and why.

One should avoid minor details, and personal observations, sticking to the news. Emotion has no place in a press release. It should be objective, giving facts in a direct manner. It needs to be placed in a time framework; thus words “today” or “next week’ are acceptable and “soon” or “recently” are not. Press releases should contain the contact details of the originator in case more information is needed.

Press releases are a functional way of communication between diplomats and the public. They save time and are very accurate in the information they are providing. There is no possibility for misspelling or for quoting wrong names, since everything provided is supposed to be guaranteed in substance and content. Editors get dozens of press releases each day, so it is good if the same form of writing is maintained; this helps it in terms of quick recognition by the editors. These days, press releases should be placed on the web pages as well, usually linked under the “Press Room.”

64. Compare the role of the consular service with the diplomatic service.

Consulates are subordinate posts of their home country's diplomatic mission (typically an embassy, in the capital city of the host country). Diplomatic missions are established in international law under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, while consulates-general and consulates are established in international law under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations. 

Contrary to popular belief, although many of the staff of consulates may be career diplomats, they do not generally have diplomatic immunity (unless they are also accredited as such). Immunities and privileges for consuls and accredited staff of consulates (consular immunity) are generally limited to actions undertaken in their official capacity and, with respect to the consulate itself, to those required for official duties. In practice, the extension and application of consular privileges and immunities can be subject to wide discrepancies from country to country.

Consulates are more numerous than diplomatic missions (e.g., embassies), since the latter are posted only in a foreign nation's capital (exceptionally even outside the country, in case of a multiple mandate; e.g., a minor power may well accredit a single Ambassador with several neighbouring states of modest relative importance that are not considered important allies), while consular ones are also posted in various cities throughout the country, especially centres of economic activity, or wherever there is a significant population of its citizens (expatriates) in residence.