Fraudulent online investment platform

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Fraudulent online investment platform

Further action against fraudulent online investment platform: five arrests of high-value targets supported by Eurojust & Europol

The Hague, 13 April 2023

Eurojust and Europol have supported a new coordinated action against a fraudulent online investment platform, which has so far cost at least 33 000 victims an estimated EUR 89 million. At the request of the German authorities, two action days took place in March, during which five suspects were arrested. Further, 15 locations were searched in Bulgaria, Romania and Israel, including five illegal call centres. The operation is a follow-up to actions against the same online scam in 2021.

These coordinated actions in 2021 led to a wealth of new information and evidence, which enabled the operations of March 2023. Previously, the financial damage caused by the scam was estimated at least EUR 15 million. However, based on the new information, the criminal network behind the fraudulent scheme has caused much more financial damage and created many more victims.

Eurojust supported the actions by setting up a joint investigation team (JIT) into the online fraud scheme in January 2023 and organising two dedicated coordination meetings to prepare for the new actions. The Agency furthermore assisted with the execution of European Arrest Warrants, European Investigation Orders and requests for Mutual Legal Assistance.

During the action days, 33 German police officers and investigators participated in the actions on the ground in Bulgaria, Romania, Georgia and Israel, supported by Europol specialists.

To support the investigation, Europol set up a dedicated Operational Task Force through which it facilitated the information exchange and provided analytical support. During the most recent action days, Europol deployed experts to Israel and – remotely – to the coordination centre at Eurojust.

During the actions, a range of high-value assets were seized, including luxury watches, electronic equipment, cash, bitcoins, bank cards and numerous documents and data carriers.

The criminal network behind the fraud attracted investors with professional-looking banners on websites and publicity via social media, using call centres in various European countries. The scammers encouraged their victims to initially make small investments of between EUR 200 and 250, showing high profits via fake graphics and software.

The victims were then contacted by so-called personal financial advisors, who promised even higher profits on bigger investments. These higher investments were subsequently lost, and the illegal profits were paid into the perpetrators’ bank accounts. The fraud scheme allegedly ran between 2019 and 2021, with the suspects of the operations in 2021 or their associates recently setting up call centres in Bulgaria and Romania.

Due to low interest rates during this period, investors were attracted to investing in high-risk financial instruments, such as binary options. These are often susceptible to fraud and are therefore used in online scams. Such options are, in most cases, fixed amounts of money, serving as a guarantee for risky financial transactions or theoretical asset pricing.

The operation was carried out on the ground by:

Germany: Public Prosecutor’s Office Göttingen; Central Criminal Investigation Department Braunschweig

Bulgaria: Sofia City Prosecutor’s Office, General Directorate National Police to the Ministry of Interior

Romania: Directorate Investigating Organised Crime and Terrorism; General Inspectorate Romanian Police

Georgia: Prosecutor General’s Office of Georgia

Israel: National Cybercrime Unit in LAHAV 433

Constitutional reforms in Uzbekistan

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Constitutional reforms in Uzbekistan

Protection of life, liberty and property at the core of the constitutional reforms in Uzbekistan

By Prof. dr. Faridun Sattarov, Department of Political Science, University of World Economy and Diplomacy

Today, the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan is in the process of being transformed into a truly people’s document based on the principle of “human – society – state.” This is evidenced by the involvement of ordinary citizens, non-governmental organizations, representatives of business and professional circles, the scientific and expert community in the development of the new Constitution. More than 220,000 proposals were made during the nationwide discussion, which shows the exceptional importance of this political process.

A useful rule of thumb of constitutional law is the inadmissibility of a gap between the constitutional principles of the development of legal consciousness and social practice. The changing situation in the world demonstrates, first of all, that many tendencies of the past years are subject to serious revision and transformation today. Therefore, national constitutional development should address the effects global processes may have on the legal structure of the state. History provides enough examples of constitutions having been systematically and consistently amended in some of the most democratic countries in the world. One such example stands out among others – the fact that 27 key amendments have been made to the US Constitution over the past two centuries.

The proposed constitutional amendments fall into four thematic categories. The first of these, denoted by the expression “exaltation of human dignity,” includes the confirmation of the inalienable right of citizens to life and the expansion of the rights of persons placed in detention by law enforcement agencies. The second category of amendments is set to turn the country into a “welfare state”, which suggests that in the future social benefits will be ranked among the fundamental rights. The third category aims to ensure further consolidation of the influence of so-called “mahallas” – traditional district communities. The fourth category proposes the transfer from the President to the Senate of powers to appoint the heads of the anti-corruption agency and the Accounts Chamber, which officially controls public spending.

What is relevant and noteworthy is that the Constitution – as a programmatic set of goals for the development of society and the state – in its proposed new edition increasingly reflects the very essence of the Enlightenment liberal political thought, made famous by John Locke’s utterance about the inalienability of “life, liberty and property.” Indeed, a number of proposed amendments directly address the matters of protecting individual rights, property rights, and the primacy of human life as a social, moral and political value. Indeed, Article 13 of the Constitution retains the provision that the highest value is a person, his life, freedom, honour, dignity and other inalienable rights, but this wording is supposed to be supplemented with the words “respect, observance, protection of the honour and dignity of a person, his rights and freedoms are the responsibility of the state.”

The draft also contains completely new articles that establish the right to use the assistance of a lawyer of one’s own choice and fair access to justice. In addition, the updated article 116 provides that everyone is guaranteed the right to receive qualified legal assistance, which, in cases provided for by law, is provided free of charge. As an innovation, it is also stipulated that land can be privately owned based on the terms and in the manner prescribed by law. The new article establishes that no person may be deprived of his property except by a court decision. It also speaks of preliminary and equivalent compensation in the event of expropriation of property for public needs. Previously, there were no such provisions in the Constitution.

Also of relevance are the new provisions related to human rights in the context of the development of the modern information society – namely provisions concerning the right to access the worldwide information network Internet and free use of it; the right of everyone to get access to the data collected about them by state and non-state organisations, including civil institutions of self-government; the right to demand the correction of false data, as well as the destruction of data collected illegally or no longer having legal grounds. These rights are found in Articles 29 and 30 in the new edition. Such provisions can only be found in a few modern constitutions.

Remarkably, principles governing foreign policy also found their place among the proposed constitutional amendments. It has thus been proposed to include in the new edition of the Constitution of Uzbekistan a provision that international treaties of the Republic of Uzbekistan, along with generally recognized principles and norms of international law, are an integral part of the legal system of the Republic of Uzbekistan. If an international treaty of the Republic of Uzbekistan establishes other rules than those provided for by the law of the Republic of Uzbekistan, then the rules of the international treaty of the Republic of Uzbekistan shall apply.

According to the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties of May 23, 1969, an international treaty is an international agreement concluded by a state in writing with a foreign state or international organization, governed by international law. For example, in German, French and Spanish constitutions establish the generally recognized principles and norms of international law as an integral part of their national legal system. This indicates that today for Uzbekistan, as a full-fledged subject of international law, more than 80 international documents on human rights, covering the generally recognized principles and norms of international law, are of particular importance.

The new iteration of the Constitution also proposes to introduce a fundamentally important provision on the preservation and development of relations with compatriots living abroad, in accordance with the norms of international law. States that protect the rights of their citizens also takes care of maintaining and developing relations with compatriots living abroad, in accordance with the norms of international law. Such a norm serves to strengthen the confidence of our citizens that they are constantly under the protection of the state, and demonstrates that the state and its bodies are not indifferent to the fate of their citizens, wherever they may be.

The modern world is dynamic, and many events are often unpredictable. This inevitably leads to a serious transformation of economic, political and other systems, entails the renewal of almost all spheres of life and activity in society. Any constitution in the world carries, first of all, the function of ensuring social stability, which makes it so valuable in the unpredictable world of today. The idea of a “living constitution” suggests that the adoption of constitutional amendments is necessitated by the very dialectical logic of social and political development. This once again confirms the idea that constitutional reform is a necessary change in the natural course of the development of society itself.

Doctor Huub de Weerd – Farewell to Rotterdam street doctor

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Doctor Huub de Weerd – Farewell to Rotterdam street doctor
“This place has given me a lot” Huub de Weerd said goodbye after being active for almost 40 years in the Pauluskerk in Rotterdam. Huub was a street doctor for a long time, helped professionalize the medical service in the Pauluskerk, and from his role as a street doctor also worked closely with IOM when it came to patients returning to their country of origin.
De Pauluskerk: De Pauluskerk offers (day) shelter, attention and care for people who are homeless, do not have the right papers or have otherwise run into problems. A doctor can get 80% of the services reimbursed for people without insurance through the CAK (Central Administration Office), and refers to specialists if necessary.

Most doctors in the Pauluskerk do this work in addition to their work in a regular practice. Hub de Weerd started his medical service in 1984.

1984 as a volunteer in the night shelter
1986-1988 and 1992-2023 as a street doctor in the medical service
2012-2022 mindfulness training & silence celebrations
2015-2023 Internal supervisor

Viet Nam – Netherlands relationship a model for bilateral relations

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Viet Nam – Netherlands relationship a model for bilateral relations

Interview with H.E. Mr. Pham Viet Anh, Vietnamese Ambassador to the Netherlands in occasion of the 50th Anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the Kingdom of the Netherlands

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Dioplomate Magazine: Your Excellency, how do you evaluate the relationship between Viet Nam and the Netherlands over the past 50 years?

Ambassador PháșĄm ViĂȘt Anh: April 9th this year marks the 50-year anniversary of the diplomatic ties between Viet Nam and the Netherlands. A half century has passed with important milestones and achievements. We, the Vietnamese, always see the Viet Nam – Netherlands relationship as a model for bilateral relations because of its openness, effectiveness, and sincerity. The fruitful achievements in various fields of bilateral cooperation have been reflected in numbers and statistics; therefore, I would like to share some thoughts on the path that the two countries have been taking together for the last 50 years.  

First of all, the Viet Nam – Netherlands relationship has transitioned to a new important stage, from “giving and receiving” relationship to an equal and win-win one. In the past, when Viet Nam is struggling with wars and their aftermaths, the Netherlands kindly lent us a helping hand. When Viet Nam rose to a developing country and enhanced international integration, the bilateral relationship entered a new phase of equal cooperation and mutual benefits. 

Second, the Viet Nam – Netherlands relations have always been developing and making new progresses. The two sides have great opportunities to cooperate, especially stemming from the similarities of dealing with climate change and natural challenges; hence become strategic partners in such fields as climate change adaptation, water management, sustainable agriculture and food security. Since April 2019, when the Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte paid an official visit to Viet Nam, the two countries upgraded their relations to a “comprehensive partnership”.

Third, the cooperation between two countries are not just enclosed in bilateral frameworks, but also expanded to meet the needs of tackling global challenges and mutual concerns of the international community. In late 2022, on the occasion of Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s official visit to the Netherlands, the two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in the fields of climate change adaptation, sustainable development and energy transition to contribute to the realization of the Millennium Development Goals.

I think working closely with the Netherlands enables Viet Nam to exchange and benefit from dutch knowledge, experience and expertise, especially in finding smart and innovative solutions. For example, in his recent official visit to the Netherlands, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh was impressed by the Dutch infrastructure network model, such as Airport Schiphol, Seaport Rotterdam, Brainport Eindhoven, Greenport World Horti Center. And our Prime Minister was determined to develop a brainport in Viet Nam.

From my viewpoint, it is the changes in our mindsets that make the real impact on the way we think and do, and gradually bring about positive developments of the economy and society.

Dioplomate Magazine: Can you share your thoughts about the prospect of cooperation between the two countries in the coming time?

Ambassador PháșĄm ViĂȘt Anh: The Viet Nam – Netherlands relations has a strong foundation from not only 50 years of diplomatic ties, but also from the long trade relations originated 400 years ago. Years ago, the Dutch East India Company traveled to Viet Nam for the attractiveness of Vietnamese culture and products as well as those of Southeast Asia region. Today, the needs to cooperate is still a great driving force to strengthen the relations between the two countries.

While Viet Nam – Netherlands relationship was upgraded to comprehensive partnership, there is still room for strengthening and deepening the bilateral cooperation. Both Viet Nam and the Netherlands face common challenges in various fields, such as the impact of climate change, the accessibility of healthcare, the shift to a circular economy and an increasing pressure on food production systems. Besides, the implementation of SDGs, energy transformation, the planning and development of logistics systems, high technology adaptations in agriculture, high quality human resources training, etc. are among the high potential fields in which the two countries can enhance cooperation in the years to come.

Dioplomate Magazine: According to the Ambassador, what should Viet Nam and the Netherlands do to keep the momentum going?

Ambassador PháșĄm ViĂȘt Anh: In my opinion, first and foremost, it is the mutual trust that lays a sustained foundation for bilateral relations to bloom. Only with trust can we be sincerely and wholeheartedly devoted to substantive and effective cooperation. The Netherlands and Viet Nam should increase exchanges and consultation at all levels to enhance mutual understanding and trust to promote fruitful and healthy growth of bilateral relations.

On the other hand, in order to enhance trust, the two countries must strengthen their relations. Cooperation between the localities, businesses, social organizations and research institutions will help create concrete results, effectively contributing to the development of each country. It will serve as the basis for boosting mutual trust, realizing mutual interests toward an equal and win-win relationship. Effective cooperation and trust have a dialectical and mutually reinforcing relationship.

Dioplomate Magazine: Thank you very much,Your Excellency.

The Hague, 9/4/2023

Exploring  Pakistan’s Tourism Potential – Pakistan Tourism viewed from various angles

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Exploring  Pakistan’s Tourism Potential – Pakistan Tourism viewed from various angles

By Roy Lie Atjam

The Embassy of the Republic of Pakistan in the Netherlands organized the Explore Pakistan Tourism with the idea to present Pakistan’s multifaceted tourism potential to the Dutch travel industry at Pakistan House The Hague on 27 March 2023.

H.E. Mr Suljul Mustansar Tarar, Ambassador of Pakistan, Wiko van Rooijen, explorer, writer, adventurer and Jimmy Nelson, author of the innovatory book Before They Pass Away, photographer, artist and history teller, took the audience on a journey to the hidden gems of Pakistan.

The event was attended by leading tourism companies, media and representatives of airlines, PUM and VvKR –  an association of  450 travel specialists.

Guests at Pakistan House during the tourism presentation.

Mr. Jimmy Nelson, world renowned visual storyteller, and  Mr. Wilco van Rooijen famous Dutch climber, shared their experiences with the Dutch participants from travels in Pakistan. The Managing Director (MD) of Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) Mr. Aftab ur Rehman Rana gave a detailed presentation on different types of tourism options Pakistan holds and also investment opportunities in the sector.

Ambassador Mr. Suljuk Mustansar Tarar welcomed the participants and discussed why Pakistan should be a choice for tourists from the Netherlands. Ambassador Tarar mentioned how those with interest in history and civilization could go to see places at the heart of Indus valley civilization, Budhism or where Alexander the great had fought his famous battle. Tourists with interest in geography and landscape could visit deserts or plains and trekking or mountaineering aficionados could visit the Northern areas of Pakistan with some of the highest mountains and plains and largest snow mass outside the polar regions. And those with interest in cultural or religious sites could visit sacred sites of Sikhism or Sufi shrines across Pakistan. He also mentioned Pakistan as a business destination for investment in hospitality industry.

The audience were shown different thematic videos  on range of landscape and cultural heritage of Pakistan.

Exploring  Pakistan’s Tourism Potential

Mr Jimmy Nelson’s animated presentation was full of vigour and spirit. Mr. Nelson narrates his journeys through indigenous cultures and lives through the lens of his camera. He has compiled three books of photography and stories including ‘Before They Pass Away’ and ‘Homage To Humanity,’ each a masterpiece. His work is also displayed as photo and immersive exhibitions in different parts of the world. Mr. Jimmy Nelson in a TED-Talk style presentation to the audience called Pakistan among the most beautiful destinations in the world. Pakistan was one of his first destinations as a young adventurer and photographer and he also visited the country recently. Mr. Nelson is currently planning his next project.

Mr. Wilco van Rooijen is the first and the only Dutch climber who has completed the Explorers Grand Slam, having summitted the 7 highest peaks in all continents and the poles. Mr. Wilco undertook an expedition to K2. He has authored a book “Surviving K2” on his experiences in Pakistan, which has been published both in English and Dutch. He was traveling and sent a passionate video message encouraging Dutch travelers to explore Pakistan. Mr. Wilco praised Pakistan, its people and culture. He considered it ‘a life-changing event’ and endorsed to audience that they should travel to Pakistan if they want to experience something different.

Pakistani mountaineer Mr. Shehroze Kashif who holds the Guinness World Records of being the youngest Mountaineer to summit  K2, was also scheduled to virtually join but could not due to his ongoing expedition to Annapurna in Nepal.

Mr. Aftab ur Rehman Rana MD PTDC said that Pakistan has got a unique geographic location with natural diversity, ranging from sea shore to the world tallest mountains. It is a meeting places of great mountain ranges e.g. Hindukush, Himalayas and Karakorum all meet in the North of Pakistan. He also covered the adventure tourism emerging in Pakistan e.g. for paragliding or as part of traditional silk route. In terms of bio-diversity there are nine eco-regions in the country. He also highlighted efforts made by the government to promote tourism including through online visa facility for residents of many countries including the Netherlands.

The presentations were  followed by a Q&A session. The Dutch tour operators expressed keen interest in knowing more about tourism opportunities in Pakistan. Some of them shared that they have started group bookings for Pakistan. Ambassador Tarar thanked the speakers and participants and assured them of Pakistan Embassy’s assistance  to facilitate their travel to Pakistan.

Pakistan Embassy the Netherlands is actively promoting tourism opportunities offered by Pakistan and the event was part of such efforts. The inspirational evening concluded with a Pakistani dinner buffet.

Rwanda at the Amsterdam Coffee Festival

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Rwanda at the Amsterdam Coffee Festival

Celebrating the Dutch coffee scene and the privileged coffee market for both local consumption and export, Amsterdam Coffee Festival was born seven years go after the successful London Coffee Festival.

Rwanda is an expert who already has a history at the festival. Rwanda Coffee export companies are participating in the Amsterdam Coffee Festival for the fourth time, from March 30 to April 1, 2023, in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. This coffee trade show, themed “Pioneering coffee excellence & connecting communities,” will highlight the diversity of the global coffee industry, providing over 8,000 attendees with various opportunities to engage coffee business dealers from around the world.

Rwanda’s participation in this festival has been organized by the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB) and the Istituto per la Cooperazione Universitaria Onlus (ICU), with support from the Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The following eight Rwandan coffees will be represented at the Rwanda Coffee stand (G45): Baho Coffee, Kanya Coffee, Kivu Belt Coffee, Mountain Coffee, Mubuga Coffee, Nova Coffee, Nyakizu Coffee, Rwashoscco and Sake Coffee.

Rwanda coffee popular stand at Amsterdam Coffee Festival 2023.

“The festival is an excellent event for coffee enthusiasts, significant industry leaders and of course many other participants to enjoy the uniqueness of our specialty coffee. On the other hand, it is an excellent opportunity for the country to increase the awareness of the coffee brand [Rwanda Coffee – A Second Sunrise] and to attract more buyers.” said H.E. Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe, the Ambassador of the Republic of Rwanda to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.The Rwanda Coffee brand demonstrated potential for widespread recognition when exhibited in the last three editions of Amsterdam Coffee Festival under the support of NAEB and the Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda in The Hague. It stood out among other specialty coffee origins, leading the way for other origins.

The goal of Rwanda’s participation in this prestigious event is to create long-term commercial ties, by piquing the interest of coffee lovers in the Netherlands and raising the brand’s awareness on the global market.

Ambassador Nduhungirehe tasting Rwanda’s coffee during the festival.

The initiative is part of ICU’s Coffee Value Chain Development project that has the goal to improve quality and quantity of coffee produced by smallholder farmers, strengthen coffee processing companies and cooperatives to build more sustainable businesses, facilitate access to finance and increase visibility on the international market. The project is working with more than 12,000 smallholder farmers and 20 coffee washing stations across 12 districts of Rwanda.Since the Netherlands is the third-largest exporter of roasted coffee in the world and the seventh-largest buyer of green coffee in Europe, there is much that Rwandan businesses might learn from the Dutch added value in coffee and secure markets for their green coffee.

From January to December 2022, Rwanda exported to the Netherlands 466.3 metric tons of coffee valued USD2,330,008. Rwanda aims to increase the export of roasted coffee beans.

About NAEB: National Agricultural Export Development Board, abbreviated as “NAEB” is a commercial, public institution established by the law No 13/2017 of 14/04/2017 in the framework of regulating and promoting the development and growth of Agriculture and Livestock export commodities in Rwanda, as well as marketing them worldwide. The head office of NAEB is in Gikondo, KK 530 St, in the City of Kigali, the capital of the Republic of Rwanda.

www.naeb.gov.rw
About ICU: ICU – Istituto per la Cooperazione Universitaria Onlus is implementing the project ‘A market driven approach for value chain improvements and the expansion of the Rwandan coffee market’ in Rwanda in partnership with Kahawatu Foundation. The EUR 2.5 million contract is co-funded by the European Union and monitored by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning of the Republic of Rwanda (MINECOFIN) with the support of the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB).

www.icu.it/en/progetti/rwanda-coffee-value-chain-development/

Ambassador Turkmenistan Presents Letters of Credence in The Hague

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Ambassador Turkmenistan Presents Letters of Credence in The Hague

By Roy Lie Atjam

H.E. Mr Sapar Palvanov Ambassador of Turkmenistan, presented his Letters of Credence to King Willem Alexander.

In the order of succession, ambassadors are collected and accompanied by a chamberlain of the King with a gala carriage drawn by two horses at their residence in The Hague or their hotel if the ambassador resides abroad.

A military guard of honor and a Military band awaits the ambassador at the Noordeinde Palace. After a salute and playing of the national anthem, an inspection of the guard of honor follows.

Inside the palace, the ambassador hands over his Letters of Credence to the HM the King, followed by a short introductory meeting.

H.E. Mr Sapar Palvanov Ambassador of Turkmenistan meeting King Willem Alexander.

During the audience held on Wednesday, March 29, Ambassador Sapar Palvanov conveyed warm greetings and best wishes from the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, to HM. King Willem Alexander.  Ambassador Palvanov also confirmed that the Government of Turkmenistan, having appointed him Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, seeks to further expand and strengthen bilateral relations in all areas of cooperation.

King Willem Alexander stressed that the kingdom is also interested in further development of relations with Turkmenistan.

It was noted that both sides have a great opportunity to raise the quality of bilateral economic cooperation to a new level. Priority areas of cooperation were announced, including energy/green energy, shipbuilding, inter-port cooperation, agriculture, information technology and more.

The King supported the proposal to establish a permanent dialogue between the business circles of both countries to study supply and demand in the markets of Turkmenistan and the Netherlands, the investment climate, business prospects and the implementation of joint projects.

OPCW

Turkmenistan Ambassador to Belgium Sapar Palvanov met with the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in The Hague on 3 April 2023. During the meeting, Ambassador Palvanov presented Director-General Fernando Arias with his credentials as the Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the OPCW.

H.E. Mr Sapar Palvanov Ambassador of Turkmenistan, presented his Letters of Credence to OPCW Director General Fernando Arias.

The two sides also exchanged views on the prospects for cooperation. Turkmenistan expressed its readiness to hold joint seminars, conferences and other events with the OPCW, ensuring and managing chemical safety, and building up laboratory capacity in this area.

Director General Fernando Arias noted that in the conditions of constant technological development of the chemical industry and pharmaceuticals, one of the main tasks of the organization is to control the production and circulation of toxic chemicals and the fight against chemical threats.

H.E. Mr Sapar Palvanov Ambassador of Turkmenistan with Director General, Fernando Arias, Deputy Director General, Odette Melono and their respective teams.

In the margin of presenting Letters of Credence, Ambassador Sapar Palvanov avail himself of the opportunity to meet with the Director of the Clingendael Academy of International Relations, Mr Ron Ton, with whom Turkmen diplomats have developed good relations thanks to their active participation in training and courses organized for the countries of Central Asia and Mongolia. 

Diplomat Magazine salutes Ambassador Sapar Palvanov.

Visit of the Swedish Ambassador to Saxony-Anhalt

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Visit of the Swedish Ambassador to Saxony-Anhalt

Wednesday, 5 April 2023, Magdeburg, Germany: Saxony-Anhalt’s Premier Dr. Reiner Haseloff received the Swedish Ambassador Per Thöresson for his inaugural visit to the State Chancellery. The trip belongs to a larger tour of the sixteen German BundeslĂ€nder being undertaken by Ambassador Thöresson in his capacity as Chair of the EU Group of Ambassadors as his homeland is holding the rotating presidency of the European Council. 

The two interlocutors talked about the diverse bilateral relations and about possibilities for further cooperation, especially in the areas of business, education and culture. Ambassador Thöresson also told Premier Haseloff about Sweden’s current EU Presidency, which the country holds until the end of June 2023.

Following the talks in the State Chancellery, the Ambassador completed a full-day programme of visits in Saxony-Anhalt. He spoke with State Secretary Dr. JĂŒrgen Ude, State Secretary for Structural Change in Central Germany and Major Industrial Projects, about the INTEL settlement in Magdeburg. The current chairmanship of Saxony-Anhalt in the Conference of European Ministers was the starting point for a discussion with Minister of State Rainer Robra, Minister of State for Culture and Europe and Head of the State Chancellery.

The guest from Sweden also met representatives of the European Movement Saxony-Anhalt e. V. and the Jean Monnet Chair IMUDE of the Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg for an exchange, and presented the programme of the Swedish EU Presidency to them.

Finally, the Swedish delegation around the ambassador visited the European Youth Education Centre Magdeburg in Villa Böckelmann. There, actors of European youth work in Saxony-Anhalt – including GOEUROPE!, OTTOPIA! and the Saxony-Anhalt Youth Advisory Council – presented their work.

For further information 

Government of Saxony-Anhalt: https://europa.sachsen-anhalt.de/internationales/aktuelles-international/antrittsbesuch-des-schwedischen-botschafters

Judgement 6 April 2023  Case Frontier  Guyana  vs Venezuela

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Judgement 6 April 2023  Case Frontier  Guyana  vs Venezuela

By Roy Lie Atjam

The Hague, the International Court of Justice (ICJ)  on Thursday 6 April 2023, delivered its judgment on the preliminary objection raised by Venezuela in the case concerning the Arbitral Award of October 3, 1899 with Guyana. The judges ruled they had jurisdiction over a long-running border dispute between Guyana and Venezuela. The ruling was read out by Judge Joan Donoghue, the President of the Court.

Venezuela contended the ICJ had no jurisdiction to hear the case and that the 1899 Arbitral Award was a complete, final and perfect settlement of the land boundary between the two countries because Britain was not a party to the proceedings.

H.E. Mr. Philippe Gauthier, ICJ Registrar. Thursday 6 April 2023 Photograph: UN Photo/ICJ-CIJ/Wiebe Kiestra. Courtesy of the ICJ. All rights reserved.

In 2018 Guyana requested the ICJ, also known as the World Court, to confirm that the border was laid down in an 1899 arbitration between Venezuela and the then-colony of British Guiana.

The court by 14 votes to 1, rejects the preliminary objection raised by the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, said presiding judge Joan Donoghue, while reading the decision. What this means is that the Court can move forward with hearing the substantive case on its merits of whether the 1899 arbitral award settling the boundaries of Guyana and Venezuela is valid and binding. Decisions by the International Court of Justice are final and legally binding.

Colonial inheritance, Central- and South America have a history riddled with border disputes. Newly independent states inherited borders imposed by colonial powers. Disputes over territory developed, often leading to war. Things seem to improve, and conflict resolution is a new phenomenon.

Members of the Delegation of Guyana Thursday 6 April 2023 Photograph: UN Photo/ICJ-CIJ/Wiebe Kiestra. Courtesy of the ICJ. All rights reserved.

Venezuela claims almost two-thirds of Guyana the country also has a border dispute with Suriname(1840) that escalated in 1969. Dr Eric Williams, PM of Trinidad and Tobago, mediated at the  Chaguaramas conference(1970)

Guyana is pleased with the ruling and is looking at the future unfazed. There is a song by the Tradewinds-Dave Martins. Part of the lyrics is “not a blade of grass”, we are not giving up no mountain, no river, no tree, not a blade of grass. The Essequibo territory as we land ! The song is alluding to the claim by Venezuela they have nothing to get, not even a blade of grass!

Members of the Delegation of Venezuela Thursday 6 April 2023 Photograph: UN Photo/ICJ-CIJ/Wiebe Kiestra. Courtesy of the ICJ. All rights reserved.

Reaction from Venezuela on the ICJ ruling.

Vice President Delcy RodrĂ­guez on the ICJ ruling: “Our arguments were heard. Venezuela is the only historical heir to the territory of Guayana Esequiba. Delcy RodrĂ­guez, read a communiquĂ© from the Government of Venezuela, where she ratifies her adherence to the Geneva Agreement signed in 1966 to settle the territorial dispute over the territory of Guayana Esequiba.

Delcy RodrĂ­guez stressed that the country “does not recognize the ICJ judicial mechanism as a means of resolving the aforementioned controversy because it excludes the nature and purpose of this agreement.

The Geneva Agreement is the only valid and current instrument to resolve the dispute over the territory of Guayana Esequiba, through political negotiations for the sake of a practical and satisfactory solution for both parties. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela will exhaustively evaluate its implications and will adopt all the measures at its disposal to defend its legitimate rights and territorial integrity.”

It has been announced that in the coming days, the President of the Republic, NicolĂĄs Maduro, will hold a large consultation on the implications of this incidental ruling. The future will tell the outcome of this ongoing dispute. Despite the ICJ ruling, it could take years for a final verdict.

“Kemet: Egypt in hip-hop, jazz, soul & funk” Major summer exhibition at the Dutch National Museum of Antiquities

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“Kemet: Egypt in hip-hop, jazz, soul & funk” Major summer exhibition at the Dutch National Museum of Antiquities

The Rijksmuseum van Oudheden (the National Museum of Antiquities of the Netherlands, RMO) takes visitors on a deep dive into the world of music this summer, thanks to a major new exhibition titled ‘’Kemet: Egypt in hip-hop, jazz, soul & funk’’.

The show explores the continued influence of ancient Egypt and Nubia in the works of artists of African descent who use Egyptian motifs as symbols of empowerment, resistance and spirituality. These motifs include the name the Egyptians themselves gave their empire: Kemet, “the black land”. The eponymous exhibition examines this fascination with Egypt by presenting a dialogue between Egyptian antiquity and seventy years of music history.

The journey through history juxtaposes music, music videos and album covers by artists such as BeyoncĂ©, Rihanna, Miles Davis, Sun Ra, the Sugar Hill Gang and Earth, Wind & Fire with ancient Egyptian objects from the museum’s collection.

In presenting these objects the way these musicians see them, “Kemet” showcases ancient Egypt in an entirely new way. The show as a whole is enhanced by a multimedia exhibition design by architect Afaina de Jong of AFARAI design studio. “Kemet” is set to run from 22 April to 3 September, 2023, and will include a summer-long programme of special events, concerts and lectures, for which the museum will extend its Thursday opening hours in June and July. https://www.rmo.nl

Why have BeyoncĂ© and Rihanna both appeared on stage and in music videos as the Egyptian queen Nefertiti? Why does the cover art of one of Nas’ albums portray him as Tutankhamun? Why do almost all of Earth, Wind & Fire’s album covers feature pyramids? In short, how do ancient Egypt and Nubia function as sources of inspiration, strength and knowledge for artists of African descent?

The ancient cultures of Egypt and Nubia arose on the banks of the Nile in Africa around 5,000 years ago. The unique and distinctive art and hieroglyphs produced by these cultures command widespread admiration to this day. But for many artists of African descent, these works are more than mere ancient artefacts: for them, the antiquity of Egypt and Nubia symbolizes the antiquity of all of Africa, and is therefore part of their own identity. Embracing and claiming these cultures redefines Africa not by the tragedy of the transatlantic slave trade, but by the continent’s glorious past, and provides a new way to discuss the history of Africa. In doing so, the artists are making a clear historical, spiritual and political statement. We see this in the music, lyrics and imagery employed by a whole host of jazz, funk, soul, pop, reggae and rap artists over the past 70 years, including Miles Davis, Nina Simone, Prince, Fela Kuti, The Egyptian Lover, Erykah Badu, Nas and Frank Ocean. The same is true in the work of Dutch artists such as Zwart Licht, Pink Oculus and Ray Fuego.

The exhibition was conceived by Daniel Soliman, Egyptologist, music lover and curator of Ancient Egypt and Nubia at the RMO, and was put together over a period of three years with the help of a team of external experts. The team consisted of Beylula Yosef, Katayoun Arian, Kiran Sukul, Michael Ghebreab and Richard Kofi, and helped develop the exhibition’s resulting perspectives, content and themes. Musical expertise on the subjects of funk, soul, jazz, R&B and hip-hop was supplied by DJ and music connoisseur Rob “Manga” Nanere. Additional input was provided by a list of contributors and partners too numerous to mention.

“Kemet”, a musical journey

“Kemet” is designed to appeal not only to art and music lovers, but also to anyone interested in a deep dive into the history of ancient Egypt and Nubia from the perspective of musicians. Visitors will be invited to do so via a musical investigation of four major themes: Ancient Egypt is an African Culture, Egyptian Royalty, Ancient Egypt as a Source of Spirituality, and Ancient Egypt as an Inspiration for the Future. These themes will be brought to life with the aid of music videos, audio clips, concert recordings, photographs and album covers by famous and lesser-known musicians who derive inspiration from ancient Egypt. Highlights include Nas’ gold mask of King Tutankhamun and several of Sun Ra’s Egyptian-inspired costumes, as well as a selection of items from the museum’s Egypt and Nubia collection, including sculptures and figurines of Egyptian deities, pieces of gold jewellery, hieroglyphic texts and official royal portraits.

Supporting works and activities

The accompanying audio tour is by hip-hop artist Typhoon, who provides commentary on the sounds, styles and artists that populate the musical landscape of “Kemet”. The main exhibition is further complemented by new works by artists and performers on the Afro-diasporic exploration of the significance and wisdom of ancient Egypt and Nubia. These include a video installation by artists Richard Kofi and Christian Guerematchi, a new single by rap artist Nnelg, and a costume by fashion designer Vanessa Martina (Kosedo Studio), inspired by one of Sun Ra’s most iconic outfits.

The exhibition will be accompanied by a programme of special events, concerts and lectures, organized in collaboration with a host of partners including with the Super-Sonic Jazz Festival (Paradiso Amsterdam), Leiden International Film Festival and Afrispectives. The programme will also include an interactive multimedia tour, a creative competition and a “Kemet Night” party on 11 May for secondary school and vocational studies students. For children under the age of 13, there is a free Egyptian Summer School and a stimulating programme of arts and crafts activities during the summer holidays.

“Kemet” was realized with support from the VriendenLoterij, the Mondriaan Fund, the VSB Fund, Plato record store (Leiden) and the Dougga Fund (the donation fund of the National Museum of Antiquities).

Kemet: Egypt in hip-hop, jazz, soul & funk 22 April to 3 September, 2023

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