ICTR Fugitive Fulgence Kayishema arrested

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ICTR Fugitive Fulgence Kayishema arrested

Arusha, The Hague, 25 May 2023 – Yesterday afternoon, Fulgence Kayishema – one of the world’s most wanted genocide fugitives – was arrested in Paarl, South Africa in a joint operation by the IRMCT Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) Fugitive Tracking Team and South African authorities.

Kayishema is alleged to have orchestrated the killing of approximately 2000 Tutsi refugees – women, men, children and elderly – at the Nyange Catholic Church during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. He has been at large since 2001.

In reaction to the arrest, IRMCT Chief Prosecutor Serge Brammertz stated:

“Fulgence Kayishema was a fugitive for more than twenty years. His arrest ensures that he will finally face justice for his alleged crimes.

Genocide is the most serious crime known to humankind. The international community has committed to ensure that its perpetrators will be prosecuted and punished. This arrest is a tangible demonstration that this commitment does not fade and that justice will be done, no matter how long it takes.

The thorough investigation that led to this arrest was made possible through the support and cooperation of the Republic of South Africa and the Operational Task Team established by President Ramaphosa to assist our Fugitive Tracking Team. My Office would like to recognize in particular the Directorate of Priority Crimes Investigations, Crime Intelligence Western Cape Province, SAPS Interpol and the Ministry of Home Affairs. Their exceptional skills, rigour and cooperation were critical for this success.

We also received vital support from similar Task Forces in other African countries, notably the Kingdom of Eswatini and the Republic of Mozambique. Rwandan authorities under the leadership of Prosecutor General Aimable Havugiyaremye continued to be our strongest partners and provided essential assistance. Finally, our supporters elsewhere in the world, including the United States of America, Canada and the United Kingdom, gave important help as they have consistently done for so many years. Kayishema’s arrest demonstrates yet again that justice can be secured, no matter the challenges, through direct cooperation between international and national law enforcement agencies.

Today is a day to think of the victims and survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. While twenty-nine years have passed, they continue to bear the physical and mental scars of their suffering. My Office reaffirms that we will not rest in our efforts to secure justice on their behalf, and by carrying out our mandate contribute to a more just and peaceful future for the Rwandan people.”

Kayishema was indicted by the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) in 2001 and charged with genocide, complicity in genocide, conspiracy to commit genocide, and crimes against humanity for killings and other crimes committed in Kivumu Commune, Kibuye Prefecture during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. The indictment alleges that on 15 April 1994, Kayishema, together with other co-perpetrators, murdered more than 2,000 men, women, elderly and children refugees at the Nyange Church in Kivumu commune. Kayishema directly participated in the planning and execution of this massacre, including by procuring and distributing petrol to burn down the church with the refugees inside. When this failed, Kayishema and others used a bulldozer to collapse the church, burying and killing the refugees inside. Kayishema and others then supervised the transfer of corpses from the church grounds into mass graves over the next approximately two days.

The investigation leading to Kayishema’s arrest spanned multiple countries across Africa and elsewhere, in strong cooperation with many national law enforcement and immigration agencies. During his flight from justice, Kayishema utilized many aliases and false documents to conceal his identity and presence. He further relied upon a network of trusted supporters, including family members, members of the ex-Forces Armeěes Rwandaises and ex-Forces deěmocratiques de libeěration du Rwanda, and those aligned with the genocidal Hutu Power ideology. Kayishema was located and arrested through an analysis-driven investigation exploiting multi-source evidence with both traditional and leading-edge methodologies.

Kayishema’s arrest marks a further step forward in the OTP’s strategy to account for all remaining fugitives indicted for genocide by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. Since 2020, the OTP Fugitive Tracking Team has accounted for the whereabouts of five fugitives, including Félicien Kabuga, Augustin Bizimana, Protais Mpiranya, and Phéneas Munyarugarama. There are now only three outstanding fugitives.

Uzbekistan’s experience in the global fight against poverty was discussed at the International Forum in Tashkent

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Uzbekistan’s experience in the global fight against poverty was discussed at the International Forum in Tashkent

The II International Forum on Poverty Reduction has completed its work. Within the framework of 6 thematic panel sessions, a wide range of issues were discussed, problems and proposals for developing countries were voiced. The progress made in Uzbekistan in the field of poverty reduction was noted, despite such challenges as the COVID-19 pandemic, instability of the world economy, etc.

Nobel Laureate Abhijit Banerjee, speaking about the reforms aimed at combating poverty in Uzbekistan, focused on the tools used to create social programs, increase the targeting of support for the poor, develop entrepreneurship, and understand the effectiveness of various programs adopted.

May 22, 2023. The II International Forum on the topic “Implementing Best Practices in Poverty Reduction“, organized by the Center for Economic Research and Reforms (CERR) jointly with the Ministry of Employment and Poverty Reduction of the Republic of Uzbekistan, with the support of the United Nations Development Program and the United Nations Children’s Fund in Uzbekistan in Uzbekistan has completed its work.

The Forum was attended by over 300 participants, including over 100 well-known experts from reputable international organizations and partner states.

Advisor to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan on the development of economic sectors, implementation of investment and foreign trade policy Ravshan Gulyamov read the Message of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev to the participants of the Forum.

The Message emphasizes the irreversible nature of the reforms in the field of poverty reduction, which have reached a new level, based on the principle of “person – society – state”.

In order to fully implement the social obligations of the state, as well as the development of human capital, five key areas in the fight against poverty were identified.

  • Firstly, the creation of the most favorable conditions for the private sector and entrepreneurship.
  • Secondly, the acceleration of the implementation of targeted support programs for poor families within the framework of the “social register” system based on an individual approach.
  • Thirdly, the provision of more than 100 social services in mahallas to persons with disabilities, women, citizens in need of special attention.
  • Fourthly, an increase in the amount of funds allocated through the “open budget” system for projects chosen by the population themselves.
  • Fifthly, the expansion of work to ensure the rights of everyone to access quality education and medical services.

Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan Jamshid Kuchkarov, Minister of Employment and Poverty Reduction of the Republic of Uzbekistan Behzod Musayev, Nobel Laureate in Economics, member of the US National Academy of Sciences Abhijit Banerjee, Director General of the French Development Agency Remy Rioux, Professor of Economics at George Washington University James Foster, Director of the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative Sabina Alkire, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic Edil Baysalov and others addressed their parting words to the participants of the Forum.

The Forum highly appreciated the active actions of Uzbekistan in the fight against poverty and inequality. It was noted that more than 2 million 300 thousand needy families, women, single elderly and persons with disabilities are fully covered by the social protection system.

As Remy Rioux noted, active economic and political reforms have changed the role and place of Uzbekistan at the international level. According to him, Brussels and Paris are closely monitoring the achievements of the country, where the fight against poverty is combined with ecology – reducing emissions into the atmosphere, improving access to clean drinking water.

Abhijit Banerjee, Alfred Nobel Prize Laureate in Economics, noted the most important areas of further research for the formation of anti-poverty policy. Speaking about Uzbekistan, the professor highlighted the tools that are used in our country to create social programs and the targeting of reforms.

“All this is quite a difficult job, but I am glad that your country is showing other countries by its example how to fight poverty. Standing here today, I feel the spirit of change in this country and I am proud that I can say with you: “Let’s do it,” the Nobel Laureate noted.

Deputy Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan, Edil Baysalov, noted that Uzbekistan today is the engine and heart of the whole of Central Asia.

“The reduction of poverty in Uzbekistan in 2022, despite the difficult global situation, is sensational not only for the Central Asian region, but also for the whole world. We are delighted with the reforms in your country and are ready to learn from your experience. In the autumn we will have a similar event, I invite experts to take part in it. Thanks to the political will of the leaders of our two countries, the borders are one hundred percent agreed today, this has significantly improved the tourism potential of both Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

Within the framework of the Forum, a plenary session was held to study Uzbekistan’s experience in poverty reduction, moderated by Obid Khakimov, Deputy Adviser to the President, Director of the Center for Economic Research and Reforms.

Reports were made by the Minister of Poverty Reduction and Employment of the Population of the Republic of Uzbekistan Behzod Musayev, Minister of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resources Development Sajid Husain Turi, Professor of the Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University James Foster, Director of the International Center for Poverty Reduction in China Liu Junwen, UN Resident Coordinator in Uzbekistan Consuelo Vidal Bruce and other.

UNDP Resident Representative in Uzbekistan Matilda Dimovska noted the determination to support the efforts of the Government of Uzbekistan in further reforms to eradicate poverty.

“We are determined to support the efforts of the Government of Uzbekistan to adapt its strategies in accordance with the context of the country to reach the least affluent segments of the population, taking into account the latest data and analysis of people’s needs and capabilities. To this end, UNDP supports the development of a multidimensional poverty measurement tool for Uzbekistan. UNDP accompanies Uzbekistan on the way to solving numerous aspects of poverty through the creation of inclusive jobs, gender equality, human potential, rural development and, of course, the transition to a green economy and digitalization,” the head of UNDP in Uzbekistan noted.

Munir Mammadzade, UNICEF Representative in Uzbekistan, noted the commitment of the UN Children’s Fund to support comprehensive national strategies to combat child poverty in Uzbekistan.

“UNICEF is fully committed to supporting comprehensive national strategies to address child poverty in Uzbekistan. It is imperative to prioritize investments in early childhood development, health, education, and social protection. By doing so, Uzbekistan can harness the demographic opportunity and position itself as a trailblazer in human capital development within the region,” noted UNICEF Representative in Uzbekistan.

At the end of the plenary session, A.Banerjee while answering journalists’ questions, spoke about J-PAL’s cooperation with CERR.

“I think the biggest advantage that we have seen after working with the Center for Economic Research and Reforms is a serious approach to research and a real commitment to the cause. I see that there are many specialists here who are ready to fight poverty and, at the same time, the country’s leadership has a firm conviction that the fight against poverty is an important task. And we, for our part, offer a scientific approach to implement this task, and I think that such a combination of efforts of our organizations will eventually bring effective results,” the co–founder of the global initiative to combat poverty summed up.

Following the Forum, a number of cooperation documents were signed and new joint projects were announced, including the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Cooperation between CERR and J-PAL.

Within the framework of the Forum, foreign experts and partners visited the regions of Uzbekistan, the ongoing work on the field based on the “makhallabay” system was presented on the example of the makhalla “Madaniyat” in the Bukhara region. Based on the results of the study of work in the regions, experts noted the need to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the impact of strategies and government programs in Uzbekistan, as well as a deeper study of the Uzbek model of poverty reduction in order to further disseminate the acquired experience in developing countries.

CSO thematic roundtable meeting on the crime of gender persecution

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CSO thematic roundtable meeting on the crime of gender persecution

Statement by ICC Prosecutor Karim AA Khan KC 

From 23-24 May 2023, my Office was delighted to welcome civil society organizations (CSOs) from 11 countries to the International Criminal Court in the Hague to participate in a thematic roundtable meeting on the crime of gender persecution.

A year ago I announced an initiative aimed at renewing and deepening our dialogue with civil society partners globally, and in particular strengthening our cooperation with local CSOs on the ground in Situation countries. This second thematic roundtable reflects progress made on this commitment, building on our first CSO thematic roundtable held in November 2022 on crimes against and affecting children.

This event also underlines the Office of the Prosecutor’s (OTP) renewed commitment to systematically address sexual and gender-based crimes and take a more focused approach to investigating and prosecuting gender persecution.

During our sessions together, I have been delighted to see civil society representatives share their expertise and insight with each other and with OTP staff, building together a comprehensive approach to accountability for gender persecution crimes. This included discussions on how we can now work together to effectively implement the Policy on the Crime of Gender Persecution, launched by my Office in December last year. We were also able to consider together the Guidelines for Civil Society Organizations on documenting international crimes and human rights violations for accountability purposes, jointly launched by my Office and Eurojust last year.

We value the practical and insightful inputs we have received that will allow us to move forward more effectively in this field with our civil society partners. These included ways to improve investigations and prosecutions of sexual and gender-based crimes; adopting a victim–centred approach; and enhance reporting. My Office also benefitted from useful ideas on how to enhance capacity-building support and cooperation with CSO’s working in the field.

In my opening remarks, I underscored that there is perhaps not a Situation addressed by the Office that does not involve gender persecution in some form. To address this challenge we have to work collectively and we must build on the tremendous, courageous work being frequently undertaken by civil society organizations in this field.

The outcomes of this roundtable will feed into the ongoing work of our Office to strengthen and further enhance our policies and practices with respect to investigating these crimes. My Office will also continue to build on its commitment to deepen our engagement with civil society actors, including through a further thematic roundtable to be held in November this year. I look forward to working with all partners in continuing the dialogue on this important initiative, including through future OTP events and meetings.

I am particularly grateful to my Special Adviser on Gender Persecution, Professor Lisa Davis , who effectively led the organization of this event. This two-day roundtable event was made possible by voluntary contributions from States Parties to the OTP’s Trust Fund for Advanced Technology and Specialized Capacity. We are tremendously grateful for this support.

The Ambassador of Côte d’Ivoire, H.E. Mr. Mifougo Youssouf Diarrassouba

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The Ambassador of Côte d’Ivoire, H.E. Mr. Mifougo Youssouf Diarrassouba

H.E. Mr. Mifougo Youssouf Diarrassouba is the newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. He presented his credentials to His Majesty King Willem-Alexander on May 24th, 2023. 

Before his career in diplomacy, Mr. Diarrassouba’s background lies in business and finance. He is well-versed in the field, having obtained multiple degrees and diplomas. Mr. Diarrassouba first acquired a University Diploma of Technology (DUT) in Management: Commerce at the National Higher Institute of Technical Education (INSET) in the capital city of Yamoussoukro. In 1991 and 1992, he obtained a Bachelor of Private Law and Master of Private Law: Business at the National University of Côte d’Ivoire.

Mr. Diarrassouba continued his studies to acquire a Graduate Diploma in Treasury at the National School of Administration of Côte d’Ivoire (ENA-Abidjan) in 1995 and a Diploma of Higher Banking and Financial Studies (DESBF) at the West African Center for Banking Studies and Training (COFEB/BCEAO) in 2001. 

H.E. Mr. Diarrassouba Mifougo Youssouf, Ambassador of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire

It is natural that Mr. Diarrassouba’s profession in economics, specifically finance, spanned over ten years. This experience was mostly tied to civil service, which he first entered in 1996 via the Ministry of Economy and Finance. Since then, he has held a variety of roles, including Representative of General Finance Revenue and Main Customs Revenue in the General Directorate of Public Accounting and Treasury (1998-1999, 2001-2003).

He was also the Director of Administrative and Financial Affairs under the Ministry of Communication, and the Ministry of Reconstruction and Reinsertion Programs (2003-2006, 2006-2007). Afterward, Ambassador Diarrassouba was the Deputy Chief of Staff at the Office of the Prime Minister for three years. Following this, he briefly returned to his financial roots as a Member and Treasurer of the Central Commission under the Independent Electoral Commission from 2010 to 2011. 

In 2011, Ambassadord Diarrassouba made the transition to diplomacy. He embarked on his first mission abroad as Ambassador to the Republic of Guinea. His long service period earned him the title of Doyen (Dean) of the Diplomatic Corps since 2019. To complement his new professional path, Mr. Diarrassouba obtained an Executive Master’s in Development Policy and Management at Sciences Po Paris in 2018. The Netherlands is now the place of his second mission abroad as an Ambassador. 

Throughout this time in civil service, Ambassador Diarrassouba occasionally held other roles, including but not limited to, Member of the Management Board of the National Identification Office (ONI), Member of the Board of Directors of the National Society of Land Transport (SONATT), and Chairman of the National Committee for the Coordination of Community Reintegration and Rehabilitation Activities (CNCARE-RC). 

He has been awarded some honorary titles for his work, including Officer of the National Order of Côte d’Ivoire (2014) and Commander of the National Order of Merit of the Republic of Guinea (2023). 

The diplomat community in The Hague sends a warm welcome to Ambassador Diarrassouba and wishes him all the best in his new term. 

Tunisian Gastronomic Days 2023  

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Tunisian Gastronomic Days 2023  

Gastronomic diplomacy

By Roy Lie Atjam

The Tunisian Embassy in The Hague have jointly organized a gastronomical event in partnership with the Tunisian National Tourist Office (ONTT) and Diplomat Magazine. It is the 2023 edition of the ‘’Tunisian Gastronomic Days’’.

This annual event promotes Tunisia as a tourist and cultural destination and introduces Tunisian gastronomy and music. The Tunisian Gastronomic Days took guests on a journey to savour the rich culinary art of Tunisia.

The Event was on 12 and 13 May 2023 at Leonardo Royal Hotel Amsterdam. May 12th was by invitation only.

Mrs. Insaf Ghanemi, spouse of the Moroccan Ambassador, Mrs. Amel Ghariani and husband the ambassador of Tunisia Slim Ghariani and the Ambassador of Morocco H.E. Mr. Mohamed Basri during Tunisian Gastronomic Days in Amsterdam.

Speaking at the occasion H.E. Mr. Slim Ghariani, Ambassador of Tunisia expressed his delight in organizing “The Tunisian Gastronomic Days” for the second consecutive year in Amsterdam. The Ambassador bid all guests a warm welcome.

He thanked the Tunisian National Tourism Office Representation in The Netherlands, Diplomat Magazine, and the Leonardo Royal Hotel Amsterdam for jointly organizing the evening.

Ambassador Slim Ghariani  went on to express thanks to the stakeholders, the three famous Chefs who prepared the Tunisian dishes for this event and La Troupe féminin TARAB, under the acumen direction of Lamia Ktata.

H.E. Ms. Elizabeth Ward Neiman, Ambassador of Panama winner of a Tunisian original painting.
The Ambassador of Rwanda with his Tunisian painting, in the picture with his wife together with Ambassador Ghariani and spouse.

The gastronomic spectacle was attended by Dutch officials, Heads of Diplomatic Missions: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, France (Cons), Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Morocco, Oman, OPCW (Rep), Panama, Rwanda, UAE. business community, Tour Operators, bloggers, media and other invitees. Also present was Dutch TV. personality Ms Kysia Hekster 

The internationally acclaimed Tunisian Chefs Wafik Belaid, Haykel Ben Zayda, and Mohamed Ali Ben Abouda introduced a specially conceived four-course gourmet menu paired with a selection of Tunisian wines.

These three Chefs are members of the Tunisian Association of Culinary Arts Professionals. They have participated in several international culinary competitions. They also run famous cooking TV shows in Tunisia.

Master chef Wafik Belaid, Tunisian Gastronomic Days.

The Appetizing Menu: 

  • Cold starters, assorted Tunisian salads
  • Main course 1, couscous Borzguene with lambs meat
  • Main course 2, sea bream fillet in kerkennaise sauce
  • Desert, assida zgougou, Tunisian green tea.

The musical animation was by the orchestra “TARAB”.  They performed classic pieces from the Tunisian heritage. The group is well known for its traditional and contemporary music and performed several times in Europe.

A Tombola with many prizes including the grand prize of a roundtrip Brussels-Tunis, paintings and Tunisian ornaments.

In a walkabout, the Ambassador and his spouse friendly chatted with the guests.

Indeed, a fabulous Tunisia promotional evening, showcasing the real Tunisia.

Poland Celebrates Constitution Day  2023

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Poland Celebrates Constitution Day  2023

Poland National Day of May 3, 1791

The day serves as a reminder of the unity and courage behind the 1791 Constitution.

Many friends of Poland gathered in The Hague on 11th May 2023 to celebrate the two hundred and thirty-second (232) anniversary of the adoption of the first Polish constitution. Among the many guests of the evening were the representatives of the Diplomatic Corps (Angola, Dominican Republic, Cameroon, Ireland, Apostolic Nuncio, Vietnam and others) representatives of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, members of international organisations, NATO, and friends of Poland.

H. E. Ambassador Margareta Kassangana expressed how delighted she was to see a large number of guests responding to her invitation. Ambassador Kassangana went on to deliver her welcome remarks containing a plethora of interesting historical details.

 “ In May seventeen ninety-one (1791), Poland became the cradle of European constitutionalism. The Grand Sejm– Polish Parliament – passed the Government Act of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth known as the Constitution of the Third of May.

Poland became the first country in Europe, in which a  comprehensive, written constitution was adopted. It was a progressive and courageous legal act, initiating a number of  visionary reforms, which laid the foundations of the modern democratic system of the Polish state. 

H.E. Ambassador Margareta Kassangana together with the Ambassador of Panama, H. E. Ms. Elizabeth Ward Neiman and H.E.Mr. José Antonio Zabalgoitia, Ambassador of Mexico.

It is also necessary to stress that at the root of the Constitution laid a well- established Polish tradition of a free and tolerant state. For centuries Poland  has been a melting pot of various ethnicities and religions – a safe haven, offering refuge for different religious denominations fleeing persecution, that included Jews, Protestants and Muslims. 

Enough to mention that in Hebrew “Polin“ means either Poland or “here you will rest”. This connects us with the Netherlands, as Amsterdam was called in Hebrew Mokum– a safe place.

The Constitution of May the Third also drew from the tradition of the Enlightenment, but its cornerstone was based on the desire to safeguard freedom and independence.

Photo exhibition at Polish embassy

We Poles have freedom in our DNA. We constantly fought for it during the partitions, when Poland disappeared from the map of the world for one hundred and twenty  three (123) years, falling victim to the imperial policies of its neighbours.

Our desire for freedom and our historical experience are behind Poland’s absolute and categorical condemnation of the unlawful Russian aggression against the sovereign and independent state of Ukraine.

Ukrainians, fighting today for their freedom, independence and the right to freely choose their future, fight for the freedom of the whole Europe. They remind us about something that we might have forgotten – that peace cannot be taken for granted and that freedom is worth paying the highest price.

There is a lesson for us all to be drawn from the adoption of the Constitution of the third of May.

It was the result of a progressive thinking of those who saw merit in modernizing the country and placing it on legal and universal foundations. It was an attempt to ensure safety and prosperity of the nation by introducing a strong democratic state. Unfortunately, before it bore fruit it was squashed by a brutal imperialism of our neighbours.

Polish Ambassador and guests.

As centuries passed, many things have changed in Europe, but Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is a sober reminder of that imperialism and an outrageous attempt to trample Ukrainian dreams of a democratic and fully independent country.

That is why today, standing here in the city of peace and justice, we need, as never before, to defend strongly a rule based international order and support  the international justice  system.  

Both Poland and the Netherlands, although so different because of their geography, history and traditions, are nevertheless so close because of the shared love and respect for freedom.  It is no coincidence that today Poland and the Netherlands are standing shoulder to shoulder to strengthen European security.

Our partnership manifests itself also in our strong and dynamic economic cooperation in many sectors such as finance, hi-tech and green technologies as well as agriculture and food industry.

I am also proud that so many of my compatriots have chosen the Netherlands as their second home, living and working here, contributing to the development and the economy of their host country. 

A national day is a great opportunity to learn more about national traditions, culture and art. In this context, let me invite you all to discover works by a famous Polish artist Jerzy Nowosielski, who’s 100 anniversary of birth we are celebrating this year.

Nowosielski was one of the most outstanding Polish artists of the 20th century. Born to a Ukrainian father and a Polonised Austrian mother, Nowosielski was brought up in a blend of Polish and Ukrainian culture, and his art brings together both the heritage and pride of Poland and Ukraine.

You can see some of his works here in the Old City Hall and outside, on the fence around our Embassy, just across the street.

Before I conclude, I would also like to thank our sponsors who generously  contributed to the organization of today’s event.

First of all, I would like to mention our main sponsor:

  • Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego (BGK)  represented here by Mr. Bartłomiej Danek the Head of the Benelux Office.

  Also thank to:

  • Polish-Dutch Chamber of Commerce;
  • Lewandowski law firm;
  • TZMO Benelux;
  • Polish Tourist Organization;
  • Marshal of the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship, provider of  Polish quality wines  for the evening;
  • Lightart Flowerbulbs, thanks to which we could beautifully decorate the room for today’s occasion.

I would also like to thank the Polish companies whose products you will have the opportunity to taste both during today’s reception and later, at home. Their excellent and delicious products have been provided by:

– Wedel, Premium Rosa, Fruit Family, Microfood, Vortumnus, Łomża beer company,  Chodeczek ham producer.

Once again, thank you all for being with us tonight and I wish you a tasty meal! It is a great opportunity to find out about the unique flavours of the Polish cuisine, prepared by the Polish restaurant Kleine Zakopane.”

Ambassador Possi’s bilateral exchanges in Thuringia

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Ambassador Possi’s bilateral exchanges in Thuringia

Thursday, 11-12 May 2023, Erfurt, Free State of Thuringia: The Premier of Thuringia, Bodo Ramelow, received the Tanzanian Ambassador in Germany, Dr. Abdallah Saleh Possi for the latter’s inagural visit to the Thuringian State Chancellery. Ambassador Dr. Possi was in this framework invited to sign the federal state’s guestbook. 

During his bilateral exchanges with Premier Ramelow, Dr. Possi highlighted the eagerness of the United Republic of Tanzania to establishing further economic, academic, cultural and trade ties between the two states. For the latter purpose the ambassador also called upon the Speaker of the Thurigian Legislature, Birgit Pommer as well as Wolfgang Tiefensee, Minister of Economic, Scientific and Digital Society Affairs in Erfurt. Also in the state capital, Ambassador Possi continued his programme at the Friedrich Schiller University’s Faculty of Law, wherein he discussed a possible academic partnership with academic institutions in Tanzania. His visit further included a tour of The Max Planck Institute für Biogeochemistry. 

From the business side of the visit, Dr. Possi paid a visit to Jena Analytik, the International Energy Society, German chapter (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Sonnenenergie e.V.), K-UTEC Salt Technologies in Sondershausen, etc. 

The two-days visit to Thuringia included also a programme in Weimar, which encompassed a tête-à-tête with the Mayor Peter Kleine and visits to cultural institutions in order to explore likely cultural exchanges with the Union of Tanzania. 

For further information 


Government of Thuringia: https://www.staatskanzlei-thueringen.de/medienservice/veranstaltungsberichte/detailseite/ministerpraesident-bodo-ramelow-9a6defd7f8

Slovenia reviews relations with Rhineland-Palatinate

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Slovenia reviews relations with Rhineland-Palatinate

Thursday, 11 May 2023, Berlin, Germany: At the Representation of Rhineland-Palatinate, the Plenipotentiary for Federal and European Affairs, State Secretary Heike Raab received the Slovenian ambassador Dr. Ana Polak Petrič, in office since 27 September 2022. Ambassador Polak Petrič was previously her homeland’s head of mission in Austria, and Japan. 

One focus of the conversation was the enlargement of the European Union towards the Western Balkan, a region whereto Slovenia possesses a plethora of historical and political connections. Other topics included climate protection ambitions and cooperation in education and higher education. In particular, the new cooperation on teacher training planned for November 2023 was discussed, in which up to ten teachers from Rhineland-Palatinate will be able to observe at the Gimnzija Celje Center in Celje, Slovenia. Heike Raab and Ana Polak Petrič also exchanged views on the fact that in December 2022, with the lawyer and journalist Nataša Pirc Musar, first female head of state of Slovenia.

“Mutual trust characterises the very good relations with Slovenia, a reliable partner in the European Union and NATO. For other EU accession candidates, Slovenia, which has been a member of the Union since 2004, is a real role model” said State Secretary Raab as per statement linked below in its original German version. 

For further information 


Government of Rhineland-Palatinate: 

https://www.rlp.de/service/pressemitteilungen/detail/heike-raab-heisst-slowenische-botschafterin-ana-polak-petric-willkommen-1

Embassy of Slovenia in Germany: https://www.gov.si/predstavnistva/veleposlanistvo-berlin/o-veleposlanistvu/

#Justice done – Main administrator of iSpoof website sentenced to 13 years  

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#Justice done – Main administrator of iSpoof website sentenced to 13 years  

The Hague,  22 May 2023

iSpoof, a website that allowed criminals to impersonate trusted corporations, was taken down in November 2022 in an international joint action that led to 142 arrests. The main administrator of the website has now been sentenced to 13 years and 4 months of imprisonment by Southwark Crown Court in the United Kingdom. Eurojust supported the investigation and played a key role in facilitating judicial cross-border cooperation between all parties involved.

The website allowed those who sign up and pay for its services to anonymously make spoofed telephone calls, send recorded messages and intercept one-time passwords. Users could impersonate an infinite number of entities (such as banks, retail companies and government institutions) for financial gain, leading to substantial losses for victims of scams.

The investigation showed that iSpoof earned over EUR 3.7 million in 16 months. According to UK authorities, losses to victims currently stand at GBP 43 million (EUR 49 million) in the UK alone, with estimated worldwide losses of over GBP 100 million (EUR 115 million).

From August 2021 to August 2022, around 10 million fraudulent calls were made globally via iSpoof. At the point of closure, the website had 59,000 registered users.

In an international coordinated action led by the UK and supported by Eurojust and Europol, 142 users and administrators were arrested across the world. The website was taken offline and servers were seized by US and Ukrainian authorities on 8 November 2022.

The main administrator of the website was arrested two days before, on 6 November. He is believed to have received between GBP 1.7 million and GBP 1.9 million (over EUR 2 million) in profits from running iSpoof. On 18 May 2023, he was sentenced to 13 years and 4 months of imprisonment at Southwark Crown Court in London. 

The case was opened at Eurojust in October 2021 at the request of UK authorities. National authorities from 10 countries, including European Union Member States and third countries, supported the investigation. The Agency played a key role in facilitating judicial cross-border cooperation between all parties involved. Two coordination meetings were hosted by Eurojust to coordinate the national investigations and prepare for the action.

Europol’s European Cybercrime Centre (EC3) provided continuous intelligence development to national investigators through the Joint Cybercrime Action Taskforce (J-CAT). In the framework of its analytical work, Europol was able to identify additional users of the iSpoof service, a number of whom were already known for their involvement in other high-profile cybercrime investigations at the European level.

From agreement to action: Turning risky business into the good business of biodiversity for the Americas

Diplomat Magazine
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From agreement to action: Turning risky business into the good business of biodiversity for the Americas

By Dr. Claudia S. de Windt

May 22nd is International Biodiversity Day

The fast-paced biodiversity loss is increasing business risk. Companies and investors in the Americas that are ready to embrace change by accepting their relation to biodiversity and nature in corporate strategy may turn the tide from risk to value. Plain good business.

The added prefix from the Greek “bio” to “diversity” gives meaning to variety of life on earth. The marvelous life fabric billions of years in the making that supports our very existence. People, air, water, soil, forest and more than 8.7 million species form a safety net on land and water. Biodiversity benefits people beyond wellbeing and livelihoods. It contributes to security, resiliency and enables social relations, health, freedom of choices and actions. Negotiators from 196 governments closed 2022 agreeing to halt the loss of biodiversity in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework- known as the GBF-The agreement could result in nature business and finance regulation but also in opportunities for companies and investors willing to step up in the Americas. Business must anticipate and partner in a shared vision. Corporate dialogue and strategies integrating biodiversity and nature risk are paramount.

Over half the world’s GDP – is moderately or highly dependent on nature and its services. Unfortunately, this is not common knowledge or reflected in corporate strategies. 40% of the world’s largest public companies have net zero targets yet less than 20% of S&P 500 companies have made biodiversity commitments. Meanwhile, nature, people and the economy are at high stakes risk. Biodiversity is a frontrunner in the most severe world risk list, the ninth contender over the next two years, moving up to fourth in the next decade. Climate goals, including corporate targets, depend on nature and biodiversity in decline as their contributions are in many parts of the Americas.

How did we get here? In 2019, unquestionably the best available science reaffirmed years of  findings and projections. 1 million species threatened with extinction made headlines. Human induced, well documented faster changes in biodiversity in any time in history are creating significant risk.

 For decades five drivers of nature loss have been globally know. Land and sea use, fragmenting, transforming habitats and contributing to the second culprit – the climate crisis. The remaining three are direct use and exploitation of natural resources, pollution, and invasive alien species.  This model contributes to the climate crisis while simultaneously, a large percentage of climate impacts in Americas are experienced in transformed land and sea ecosystems. A vicious cycle. Nature loss creates risk for businesses that depend on nature; have impacts on elements of nature and whose stakeholder needs are affected with social disruptions. Disruptions in supply, asset exposure to extreme events, resource and scarcity based social conflicts or legal action are examples.

Most countries in the Americas are using nature more intensively than the global average and exceeding nature’s ability to renew its contributions.  Let’s face it, vulnerabilities such as inequality, increase regional susceptibility to biodiversity and nature risks enhancing consequences of nature loss.  32% of the world’s socio-environmental conflicts occur in the region increasingly due to business resource use and extraction. So how do we shift from a risky business to the good business of biodiversity?

Countries committed to updating their National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans and showing progress on 4 global goals and 23 targets by 2050. Commitments hint forthcoming regulatory action on business and finance nature-related disclosure & data, due diligence obligations and supervision, biodiversity risk management guidance and nature-based sustainable finance policy. This could mean hurdles but also represent opportunities. The Americas is highly biologically, culturally and socioeconomically diverse. It is home to 7 out of the 17 most biodiverse countries and some of the most extensive wilderness areas on the planet.  The economic value of terrestrial nature’s contributions to people in the region is estimated at least $24.3 trillion per year, equivalent to the region’s gross domestic product.

Agricultural production, fisheries and aquaculture continue to increase food provision for the region and the planet.  Nature-based sourced energy, including biofuels and hydropower at the local level is increasing and so is dependence on infrastructure. Latin America is the largest global exporter of food and one of the largest traders in bioenergy.  Critical minerals and metals for energy transition are concentrated in regions and countries of the Americas.

The region’s natural and water capital can widen financing and investment options, increasing capital flows and reducing debt.  Businesses within key sectors (blue economy, agribusiness, energy and infrastructure, minerals and metals and financing) have been operating with transnational regulatory implications for decades. This shows that the business nature nexus can be an asset rather than a liability.

Corporate strategies integrating and addressing risk, sorting competing social, economic, and ecological interests are paramount. Environmental and social governance of nature risks becomes value added and a safeguard for investors. To partner with governments in building back biodiversity from agreement to action, the first step for businesses is acknowledging their relationship with nature.  Their dependence and material impacts along with environmental and social governance needs. Identifying risk throughout supply chains, key performance indicators and monitoring to address financial and stakeholder needs through sustainability, transparency, and accountability. In turn Governments must place incentives adequately. Businesses should get ready and embrace change. Integrating biodiversity is just plain good business.

About the author:

Dr. Claudia S. de Windt is an International lawyer and academic. Expert in political science, justice, socio-environmental governance (ESG) and diplomacy for sustainability. She is Executive Director of the Inter-American Institute of Justice and Sustainability (IIJS: www.ii-js.org)

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