Friday, 24 February 2023, Free Hanseatic City of Bremen, Germany: The East Asian Association Bremen (OAV) hosted its traditional foundation celebration for the 122nd time. It is part of the tradition that ambassadors from the Asia-Pacific region sign the Golden Book of the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen on this occasion.
Kristina Vogt, Senator for Economic, Labour and European Affairs, welcomed diplomats from thirteen countries to the Senate Chamber: namely from Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Pakistan, Singapore, Thailand, Maldives and Philippines. Senator Vogt represented Mayor Dr. Andreas Bovenschulte, who was attending the peace devotion on the first anniversary of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, at the Senate’s pre-reception.
Senator for Economic Affairs Kristina Vogt said as per statement below in its original German-language version: “The East Asian Association Bremen and its foundation festival are outstanding institutions for Bremen. For more than 120 years, they have promoted the internationalisation of Bremen’s economy to a special degree. The countries of Asia are important partners for our location and dynamic drivers of innovation. Of course, Singapore in particular should be mentioned here, which is the focus of this year’s Foundation Festival.”
The traditional temple gong then called the approximately 360 guests to the banquet in the Upper Hall of the Town Hall, where they were solemnly welcomed by OAV Chairman Thomas Kriwat (Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka) through a short speech. Mayor Dr. Andreas Bovenschulte also attended the banquet, which traditionally features curry.
In his welcome address, the Mayor underlined Bremen’s connections to the world and the importance of the Foundation Festival: “I am sure that Asia will continue to gain in importance for Germany and also for Bremen in the future.” In this context, the entire Indo-Pacific region must be given greater attention, Bovenschulte said: “Here, too, Germany’s goal is to reduce dependencies, develop partnerships on an equal footing and take mutual security interests into account.” The OAV has been doing valuable work in this sense for over 120 years. With regard to the relationship with China, the mayor made it clear that in addition to economic contacts, “open political dialogue” was also needed: “Constructive where possible, critical where necessary. For despite all political differences, “it is still true that it is better to talk ‘with’ China than ‘about’ it”.
This year’s guests of honour at the Foundation Festival are the author Sabine Hein and Dr. habil May-Britt U. Stumbaum from the Bundeswehr University in Munich.
Eurojust has assisted the Romanian and Moldovan authorities with dismantling a cryptocurrency scam that has resulted in at least 32 victims, who allegedly lost approximately EUR 320 000. During a joint action day, a total of 21 perpetrators from both countries were identified and charged with swindling in Romania, and money laundering executed by an organised criminal group, in the Republic of Moldova. Eurojust supported both national authorities with setting up and funding a joint investigation team (JIT) into the case.
Based on the evidence at hand, since at least 2020, the suspects had been luring victims into making significant investments in cryptocurrencies by presenting fraudulent predictions and results via social media. For this purpose, fake accounts were created on social media platforms, which pretended to be linked to companies that in reality did not exist. Endorsements of platforms from Romanian influencers were also used to build trust.
Further, the suspects promised so-called guaranteed profits of up to 100 %. Victims subsequently made significant financial investments, which were lost in their entirety. The proceeds of the crime were transferred to Moldovan accounts, controlled by the perpetrators, where the money was laundered to conceal its criminal origin.
To facilitate judicial cooperation between Romanian and Moldovan authorities, Eurojust supported the setting up and funding of a JIT and organised two coordination meetings to coordinate the investigations. In addition, the Agency facilitated the transmission and execution of European Investigation Orders to countries not participating in the JIT.
Eurojust also facilitated the exchange of information and evidence, and coordinated the action day, during which 21 locations were searched. Various means of evidence were seized, and assets were frozen to secure the recovery of the damages caused by the criminal activity
The operation was carried out on the ground by:
Romania: Local PPO Timisoara, Criminal Investigations Services Timiș, Iași, Constanța, Brașov, Hunedoara
Republic of Moldova: Prosecutor’s Office for Special Cases and Combatting Organized Crime, National Investigations Inspectorate within the Moldavian Police
Chess, is it a sport or an art? Some say it can be a sport, a science, or an art.
Diplomat Magazine organized an pre-lent chess tournament for diplomats and kiddies. The participants were chess fans of all ages, for example, the youngest participant was 6 years old. As in previous years the tournament aims to consolidate friendship and strengthen solidarity among Diplomats.
The tournament took place at Leonardo Royal Hotel in The Hague, courtesy of the Hotel, 18 February 2023. Participants came from, Albania, Algeria, Belgium, Bosnia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Finland, Italy, Japan, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Senegal, Switzerland, Thailand, Ukraine and the USA.
The ambassadors of Algeria and Bosnia participated in the tournament. The tournament again attracted children as young as six years old. After a series of matches during which the players made their best tactical moves, Peru excelled. Senegal came second. Among the children, Philippines, Ecuador and Japan.
Chikashiro Hara, from Japan and David Izquierdo from Ecuador. The Ambassador of Algeria, H.E. Ms. Salima Abdelhak and Col. Luigi Esposito,
Military Advisor – Permanent Representation of Italy to the OPCW•Embassy of Italy.
It has been great fun, players enjoyed the networking opportunity. In the end all the players were given trophies or medals as a souvenir of the tournament. Diplomat Magazine is looking forward to continuing to welcome diverse groups of participants, including the younger ones.
Cecilia Maria Gonzalez Amaya, Vice-Consul, Embassy of El Salvador and Jesús Andre Hernández León, from the Consulate of Peru. Henry Pierre Sarr, First Secretary, Embassy of Senegal and Hironori Hara, SEcond Secretary, Embassy of Japan.
Tom Vandecasteele, from Albania, First Diplomat Magazine’s Chess Champion, Roy Lie Atjam, Editor and Dr. Mayelinne De Lara, Diplomat Magazine’s Publisher.
The Hague, on 10 February 2023, the Embassy of the Republic of Cuba celebrated the 64th Anniversary of the Triumph of the Cuban Revolution.
The diplomatic community was out in its numbers to join in the celebration. To mention a few, representatives from Russia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Panama, Finland, South Africa, Belarus, Malaysia, Morocco, Pakistan and dozens of others.
H.E. Mrs Anet Pino Rivero, Ambassador of Cuba.
In her welcome remarks, H.E. Mrs Anet Pino Rivero, Ambassador of Cuba stated, “first, I want to send my deepest condolences to the government, people and families of victims in Turkey and Syria for the loss of human lives and material damages caused by the terrible earthquake.
The Ambassador continued, “it has been 64 years of having a free and sovereign Cuban despite economic difficulties, mainly because of 61 years of an unfair economic, financial and commercial blockade imposed against Cuba, the longest against any country in the world. However, we continue our efforts to have a country with everyone and for the good of all.”
H.E. Mr. Marcin Czeplak, Secretary General of the Permanent Court of Arbitration, H.E. Mr. Hatem Abdelkader, Ambassador of Egypt, H.E. Mr. Alexander Shulgin, Ambassador of the Russian Federation and H.E. Mr. Suljuk Mustansar Tarar, Ambassador of Pakistan.
According to the Ambassador, in 2022, Cuba was affected by a meteorological phenomenon and 243 additional measures against Cuba by the USA during the pandemic.
“In spite of all this, and with the premise of achieving the welfare of our people, Cuba continues working to achieve its development goals. We are proud of many things because Cuba preserves its achievements and has new ones.”
As for the COVID-19 dossier, Ambassador Pino Rivero shared the following information, “due to the excellent capacity and knowledge of our researchers, Cuba managed to have three own vaccines against COVID-19. More than 90% of the population, including children older than 2 years old, are fully vaccinated. Our solidarity is showed, by having more than 23,000 Cuban collaborators working in 56 nations in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean.
H.E. Mr. Ilkka-Pekka Antero Similä, Ambassador of Finland, H.E. Mr. Ziad M.D Al-Atiyah, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, H.E. Mr. José Antonio Zabalgoitia, Ambassador of Mexico and H.E. Mr. Alireza Kazemi Abadi, Ambassador of Iran.
More than 2.2 million tourists visited Cuba in 2022, which represented agrowth of 400% compared to the 2021 figures.
The continued improvement of the rule of law was also important. At the end of 2022, 18 laws were approved in Cuba in order to strengthening the rights and guarantees of people.”
A traditional Cuban hospitality, Mr. Adalberto Soriano, Ambassador’ spouse, presenting a mojito to a guest.
The Ambassador was pleased to announce that last year Cuba had important visits of official Cuban delegations to many countries and others came to Cuba, “we hosted international events such as the VIII Cuba-CARICOM Summit, the IV Cuba-Health International Convention, the Havana International Trade Fair, among others.”
Cuba continues giving a great importance to the implementation of the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement between Cuba and the European Union.
H.E. Mr. Sheikh Mohamed Belal, CFC Managing Director, H.E. Ms. Aruni Ranaraja, Ambassador of Sri Lanka and H.E. Mr. Ilkka-Pekka Antero Similä, Ambassador of Finland.
“In 2022 Cuba and the Netherlands celebrated their 120th anniversary of uninterrupted diplomatic relations. These relations include bilateral political consultations, cultural, sports and academic exchanges, economic-commercial relations, and projects for coastal protection, business and others. All these relationships are based on dialogue, cooperation and respect.
We appreciate the Netherlands´s support to Cuba against the embargo.
The economic and commercial relations between both countries are vital in these links, given the potential of the Netherlands in this sector. For this, it is important to promote investments and business opportunities in Cuba. With the experience of companies such as Womy and Nirint, it is intended to launch a digital platform that helps in this purpose.
H.E. Ms. Elizabeth Ward Neiman, Ambassador of Panama and H.E. Mr. Jaime Moscoso Valenzuela, Ambassador of Chile.
From The Hague Cuba recently started the attention to Luxembourg. We appreciate its support in our battle against the embargo and we continue working to strength and reinforce these 80 years of bilateral relations.
It also worth mentioning the significant increase in Dutch citizens who visit Cuba, which have also contributed to the knowledge and approach between Cuban and the Dutch society. Also, the valuable Cubans who live in this country and are inserted in and contribute to the Dutch society.
H.E. Mrs Anet Pino Rivero, Ambassador of Cuba and H.E. Mr. Mario Oyarzabal, Ambassador of Argentina.
We continue to carry out the diplomacy of dialogue, friendship, cooperation, inclusiveness and peace, with respect for the sovereignty and self-determination of the peoples. We do not doubt that a better world is possible.”
Ambassador Pino Rivero concluded her remarks with, “I´d like to thank all the Dutch friends and others that love Cuba who are here with us tonight, and helped me make this celebration possible. Thank you and enjoy“ end quote.
Amigos Latinos during their performance at Cuban National Day / Triunfo de la Revolucion 2023.
The Cuban musical group Amigos Latinos, including two singers interpreted typical Cuban music. Also on the program, Rum, Mojitos, Ropa vieja, Arroz Congris and other delicasies. All these augmented contributed to the outstanding ambience.
Once again, it has been an excellent celebration of the Triumph of Cuban Revolution.
The Council decided to prolong for another year the restrictive measures linked to internal repression in Belarus and regime’s support for the war against Ukraine. The decision was taken on the basis of the annual review and considering the persistent gravity of the domestic situation in the country and Belarus’ ongoing involvement in the Russian aggression against Ukraine. The measures now apply until 28 February 2024. Since August 2020, the EU has imposed successive rounds of sanctions, against those responsible for internal repression and human rights abuses in Belarus and in the context of Belarus’ involvement in Russia’s war against Ukraine, thereby signalling to the political and economic actors responsible that their actions and support for the regime and to the Russian Federation came at a cost. The restrictive measures consist of a ban on travel to the EU and an asset freeze for listed persons – currently 195 individuals, including Alexandr Lukashenko – and an asset freeze applicable to 34 entities. In addition, EU persons and entities are forbidden from making funds available to those listed, either directly or indirectly. Belarus also remains subject to targeted economic sanctions, including restrictions in the financial sector, trade, dual-use goods, technology and telecommunication, energy, transport and others.The EU condemns in the strongest possible terms Belarus’ involvement in Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine. Moreover, the EU is determined to address the human rights situation in the country and will continue to support the Belarusian people in their legitimate request for democracy, including through support to civil society and independent media.
Friday, 24 February 2023, Berlin, Germany: Within the framework of cooperation with the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Germany held a commemorative event on the occasion of the 31st anniversary of the Khojaly genocide at the Azerbaijan Cultural Center located in Berlin-Tiergarten.
An exhibition dedicated to the Khojaly genocide was also organized for the visitors.
At the beginning of the event, the memory of the martyrs of the Khojaly genocide was commemorated with a minute of silence. Subsequently a short film prepared by the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Germany about the Khojaly genocide was shown.
The allocution of MP Dr. Nurlan Hasanov.
Azerbaijan’s ambassador to Germany, Nasimi Agayev, said during his speech that the Khojaly genocide was the first genocide that took place in Europe after the end of the Cold War. The ambassador highlighted that the perpetrators of this crime against humanity have not yet been brought to justice. Ambassador Agayev went on to mention that as a result of the “Justice to Khojaly” campaign launched by Leyla Aliyeva, the vice-president of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, great progress has been made in the recognition of the Khojaly genocide in the international arena, and many countries, including more than 20 US states, have officially condemned this massacre.
Noting that in 2020, Azerbaijan freed its territories from occupation and restored international law, the ambassador said that Major Polad Rzayev, major of the Red Army, who showed great bravery in liberating Jabrayil, Khojavand and Gubadli regions and the Murovdag peak, and lost both legs after falling into a mine, participated in the event. It was also noted tthat Major Rzayev was treated at the German army hospital in Berlin, and provided with prostheses. Major Rzayev was the event’s special guest.
Also partaking was MP Dr. Nurlan Hasanov. In his speech, Nurlan Hasanov, the head of the Working Group on Azerbaijan-Germany inter-parliamentary relations of the Milli Majlis (National Assembly) of the Republic of Azerbaijan, spoke about the deep mark left by the Khojaly genocide in the memory of the Azerbaijani people, and talked about the efforts to spread the truth about the genocide in the world through the parliament.
After the speeches, a commemorative concert was held.
Thursday, 16 February 2022, Munich, Free State of Bavaria: The Head of the State Chancellery, Minister of State Dr. Florian Herrmann together with Bavarian Minister of the Interior Joachim Herrmann met the NATO Supreme Commander in Europe, General Christopher G. Cavoli, for talks at Prince Carl Palace.
“We have a long friendship with General Christopher Cavoli. The transatlantic partnership is the cornerstone of Bavarian security policy and is more important today than ever. The Free State of Bavaria is happy to be a second home for members of the US armed forces” – Minister of State Dr. Florian Herrmann said as per statement from the encounter.
Christopher Gerard Cavoli is a United States Army general who serves as the commander of United States European Command since 1 July 2022, and Supreme Allied Commander Europe since 4 July 2022.
Start of operations of Core International Crimes Evidence Database and new International Centre for Prosecution of the crime of Aggression to be based at Agency
The Hague, 23 February 2023
Almost one year after the start of the war in Ukraine, Eurojust has taken crucial steps in support of the judicial response to alleged core international crimes. An important milestone is the start of operations of the Core International Crimes Evidence Database (CICED). A new International Centre for Prosecution of the crime of Aggression (ICPA) will also be based at Eurojust.
With CICED, the Agency has introduced a tailor-made judicial database to preserve, store and analyse evidence of core international crimes in a secure mode. Technical solutions for the safe transmission and secure storage of evidence are now in place and an advanced analysis module will be added in the coming months.
CICED’s centralised approach will support national and international investigations by shedding light, not only on individual offences but also on the systemic actions behind them. CICED will be beneficial for the investigations into core international crimes allegedly committed in Ukraine, as well as other conflicts where these offences would occur.
In addition, Eurojust is in the process of setting up the ICPA. The main purpose of the ICPA is to support and enhance investigations into the crime of aggression by securing key evidence and facilitating case building at the earliest possible stage.
The centre will be part of the current support structure for the joint investigation tteam (JIT), which ensures an optimal alignment between the investigations into war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide, and the crime of aggression. The prosecutors who will be part of the ICPA can be based at Eurojust on a semi-permanent basis, allowing for close coordination of their work in line with a joint prosecutorial strategy.
Eurojust President Mr Ladislav Hamran stated: ‘Nothing can make up for the terrible loss and destruction that the Ukrainian people have suffered since the start of this war. But core international crimes must always be accounted for, and Eurojust is doing whatever it can to help bring those responsible to justice. New initiatives, including the Core International Crimes Evidence Database and the International Centre for the Prosecution of the crime of Aggression, enable us to give concrete support to authorities working to get justice done for the victims of these horrendous crimes.’
Eurojust Vice-President and National Member for Lithuania, Ms Margarita Šniutytė-Daugėlienė, said: ‘The international legal community is incredibly determined to ensure accountability for the crimes committed in Ukraine. The wish to make justice prevail clearly transcends national, continental and organisational boundaries. Eurojust is proud to contribute to these efforts, by not only using the full potential of our existing support mechanisms but also introducing innovative solutions to safeguard core international crime evidence and enhance the investigation of the crime of aggression.’
Liaison Prosecutor for Ukraine at Eurojust, Ms Myroslava Krasnoborova, commented: ‘While the damage caused by the Russian invasion can never be undone, we can make sure that those responsible are brought to justice. Setting up the joint investigation team has been a real game-changer in the accountability efforts and Ukraine welcomes the support received from Eurojust so far. At the same time, it is our firm belief that impunity for the crime of aggression should never be accepted. Ukraine therefore strongly welcomes the decision to set up the ICPA at Eurojust, and hopes that this will accelerate the ongoing discussions about the eventual prosecution for this supreme international crime.’
Supported by Eurojust and Europol, judicial and law enforcement authorities in Italy and Germany have dismantled an organised crime group (OCG) suspected ofillicit waste trafficking, false invoicing and money laundering in several European countries.
Eurojust coordinated the joint action that led to the arrest of 14 suspects. Forty searches were carried out. The preventive seizure of assets worth EUR 90 million was ordered. The Agency also assisted the authorities in setting up and funding a joint investigation team (JIT) into the case.
The OCG is believed to have illegally acquired up to 165,000 tonnes of scrap iron through a network of iron recycling companies operating in Italy and abroad. The criminal network reintroduced the iron into the legal market or directly into steel mills, claiming it had been imported from Germany.
According to the investigation, a German bogus company connected to the leader of the OCG had issued false invoices for the fictitious acquisition of the scrap iron.
The leader and other members of the criminal network introduced money into Italy, including up to EUR 70 million in cash withdrawn from German bank accounts. The money was then transferred between several fictitious companies managed by the OCG in Germany and other countries. The profits were invested either in the illicit trafficking of waste or laundered through legitimate activities such as the acquisition of a football team in Italy.
The scrap iron was never cleaned or recycled, despite the false documentation on declarations of conformity or shipping documents. The OCG also manipulated large quantities of special and hazardous waste, such as tar, the real nature of which was obscured by false certificates.
In a joint action day on 15 February, 14 suspects were detained in Italy and Germany. A total of 40 searches were carried out, 26 in Italy and 14 in Germany. The preventive seizure of assets worth EUR 90 million was ordered.
Eurojust supported the authorities involved in setting up and funding a JIT in August 2020. The Agency also hosted seven coordination meetings to facilitate judicial cooperation and provide support for the coordinated investigative efforts. During the action day, Eurojust set up a coordination centre to facilitate rapid cooperation between the judicial authorities.
Europol contributed to the investigation by analysing the data stemming from the complex scheme and deployed one of its experts on-the-field to Italy to support the national authorities with their investigative measures.
The following authorities took part in this investigation:
Italy: Public Prosecutor’s Office of Milan; Public Prosecutor’s Office of Reggio Calabria; Carabinieri for the protection of the environment and ecological transition of Milan; Carabinieri of NOE (Environmental Operating Centre)
Germany: Public Prosecutor’s Office Munich I; Federal Criminal Police Office in Wiesbaden.
Munich, 17-19 February 2023, Free State of Bavaria: The 59th Munich Security Conference (MSC) took place at the Hotel Bayerischer Hof located in Munich. For three days, the MSC 2023 once again offered an unparalleled platform for high-level debates on the key foreign and security policy challenges of our time.
Almost one year after Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine, the MSC provided an opportunity to take stock of a cohesion of alliances, and political commitment to the rules-based international order.
Secretary of State Blinken is welcomed by Dr. Florian Herrmann and Ambassador Dr. Amy Gutmann at Munich International Airport.
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris was in attendance in order to demonstrate transatlantic unity as well as the U.S. global leadership and enduring commitment to support the Ukraine. She also delivered a keynote speech in the conference’s framework.
Governor of New- Jersey Phil Murphy and Premier Dr. Markus Soder. Foto: Joerg Koch/ Bayerische Staatskanzlei joerg@joergkochfoto.de; +49-175-1815173;
