"Missing Austrian Mountain Climber Found After a Search Operation in Chile," "Ten Austrian Hostages Freed After Weeks in the Sahara," "Austrian Earthquake Victim in Iran Flown Out of Iran, Leg Saved" - these are just some of the compelling headlines reporting the consular assistance within the Foreign Ministry offered to Austrians in need. The consular statistics for 2003 included 2,460 official consular acts per day conducted by the Austrian missions abroad. These acts are coordinated and supported by the Legal and Consular Section of the Foreign Ministry. "It is one of the most noble and most important duties in my Ministry - and it is for me a personal concern that fellow citizens who need help abroad are helped quickly and unbureaucratically."