Replies

The Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE/ODIHR)

Basically they appear to be the biggest busybody, stick-their-nose-in-your-business org on the planet.

http://www.osce.org/what

But “full immunity” from being arrested in the United States?

Laughable.

Reporters tried to get her to state explicitly that Texas could not arrest election observers from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), but Nuland would only reiterate that OSCE observers have full immunity

Umm, don't think so Mizz Nuland.

Let's look at "Diplomatic Immunity" as it is practiced here in the u.S.

Diplomatic immunity is a form of legal immunity and a policy held between governments that ensures that diplomats are given safe passage and are considered not susceptible to lawsuit or prosecution under the host country's laws, although they can still be expelled. It was agreed as international law in the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961),

In reality, most diplomats are representatives of nations with a tradition of professional civil service, and are expected to obey regulations governing their behavior and they suffer strict internal consequences (disciplinary action) if they flout local laws. In many nations a professional diplomat's career may be compromised if they (or even members of their family) disobey the local authorities or cause serious embarrassment, and such cases are, at any rate, a violation of the spirit of the Vienna Conventions.

The Vienna Convention is explicit that "without prejudice to their privileges and immunities, it is the duty of all persons enjoying such privileges and immunities to respect the laws and regulations of the receiving State." Nevertheless, on some occasions, diplomatic immunity leads to some unfortunate results; protected diplomats have violated laws (including those that would be violations at home as well) of the host country and that country has been essentially limited to informing the diplomat's nation that the diplomat is no longer welcome (persona non grata). Diplomatic agents are not, however, exempt from the jurisdiction of their home state, and hence prosecution may be undertaken by the sending state; for minor violations of the law, the sending state may impose administrative procedures specific to the foreign service or diplomatic mission.

The Convention does not cover the personnel of international organizations, whose privileges are decided upon on a case-by-case basis, usually in the treaties founding such organizations.

Yes, the u.S. is an active member of OSCE.

NO, there is no treaty. OSCE is a NGO, not a nation. Continuing...

Other categories of government officials (not international organizations) that may travel frequently to other countries may not have diplomatic passports or diplomatic immunity, such as members of the military, high-ranking government officials, ministers, and others.

There are some limited immunities for staff of international organizations. The following demonstrates the basic difference.

International organization category

Diplomatic-level staff of missions to international organizations

May be arrested or detained? No

Residence may be entered subject to ordinary procedures? No

International Organization Staff

May be arrested or detained? Yes

Residence may be entered subject to ordinary procedures? Yes

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diplomatic_immunity

So, Mizz Nuland, about that OSCE observers have "full immunity."

It is you that appears to be full... of "it."

.full immunity.