Visitors now: 17
Evacuation and Passports
The right to diplomatic protection and to evacuation from war zones in the context of passports of convenience is the subject of a citizenship discussion in The Gates of Fear, The Tyee, of Canada, dated September 11, 2006.
Wed, / / Embassy Law Link
Tax or User Charge?
User fees are common in the United States and not deemed taxes, although they frequency replace taxes or tax revenue lost through politically motivated tax reductions. In England, the United States disputes the character of a charge intended to reduce traffic congestion in London, according to a September 11, 2006 report, US Embassy Owes $1.6 million in Unpaid Congestions Charge Fees.
Under the Vienna conventions on diplomatic and consular relations, the United States could properly refuse the payment of taxes, but not fees. The Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone is said to believe that British diplomats pay tolls and charges, as should American diplomats in London. The report notes that United States diplomats pay similar charges in Oslo and Singapore.
Art. 34 of the diplomatic convention of April 18, 1961 and Art. 49 of the consular convention contain sweeping language exempting diplomatic and consular personnel from most dues and taxes.
-- Clemens Kochinke, Berliner, Corcoran & Rowe, LLP, Washington, DC.
Wed, / / Embassy Law Link
