Euronews – Protesters in Tbilisi rallied for the third day in a row on Thursday evening, despite securing major concessions from the Georgian government over the controversial Foreign Agents Bill.
Georgia’s Interior Ministry had announced the release of protesters detained during the two previous days of mass demonstrations just hours after the ruling Georgian Dream Party party was forced to withdraw its controversial bill that sparked the rallies.
“All persons arrested on 7 and 8 March during the protests near the parliament by employees of different structures of the Interior Ministry in accordance with the Code of Administrative Offences have been released,” the ministry said in a statement.
Overnight Wednesday police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse the thousands gathered outside the parliament building.
The law, drafted by the ruling Georgian Dream Party, if approved, will make all media outlets and non-governmental organisations that receive 20% of their funding from abroad register as “foreign agents”. This would subject them to monitoring and possible sanctions.
It has been slammed by the country’s civil society, media and analysts, who say it “threatens the fall of Georgian democracy”. Authorities have claimed the law is necessary to improve transparency.
66 arrests were made at the demonstration on Tuesday evening, including the leader of the opposition Zurab Japaridze, while 50 police officers were injured. Protesters also reported injuries, with a number of officers reportedly seen laughing as they dispersed the crowds.
International organisations and western states have also condemned the law, with the EU warning Georgia it could hamstring the country’s EU ambitions.
On Tuesday, European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell described the law as “a very bad development for Georgia and its people.The European Union urges Georgia to uphold its commitment to the promotion of democracy, the rule of law and human rights, and recalls the right of people to a peaceful protest,” he added.
Foreign ministers of several EU member states, including the Baltics, echoed concerns about the foreign agent law, urging Georgia to uphold the principles of “democracy, rule of law and human rights”.
Fights have broken out in the parliament in recent days as the law has been debated.
Georgia’s president, Salome Zurabishvili, has said she would veto the bill, though parliament can override presidential vetos. Khatia Dekanoidze, a member of the opposition National Movement Rally, told parliament: “Everyone should understand that saving our country, saving our young generation, saving our future lies only through the European path.”
The bill, dubbed a Russian-style law by opponents, received initial approval in parliament. In Russia, a foreign agent law has been used to silence organisations and news outlets that criticised the government. Protesters blocked both entrances to the parliament building last night, chanting: “No to Russian law!” “Russians!” “Slaves !”
As the bill was being debated on Tuesday, the US Embassy said in a statement it raised “real questions about the ruling party’s commitment to Euro-Atlantic integration.”
“Today is a dark day for Georgia’s democracy. Parliament’s advancing of these Kremlin-inspired laws is incompatible with the people of Georgia’s clear desire for European integration and its democratic development,” they said.
Georgian Dream chair Irakli Kobakhidze defended the draft law, following the unrest. He said that people had been misled with ‘disinformation’, defending the legislation as necessary to reveal who was financing those who criticised the Georgian Orthodox Church.
Brussels, 20 February 2023, H.E. Mr Dilyor Khakimov, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to the Benelux and Head of Mission of Uzbekistan to the EU. and NATO, organized the first Uzbekistan-EU: State of the Progress.
The objective was to celebrate the state of progress in Uzbekistan-EU relations. The venue, Steigenberger Wiltcher’s Hotel.
The Uzbekistan-EU: State of the Progress, Uzbekistan Ambassadors to the EU. recounted their accomplishments. One Ambassador managed to interest universities to establish branches of their institution in Uzbekistan.
H.E. Mr Dilyor Khakimov, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to the Benelux and Head of Mission of Uzbekistan to the EU. and NATO.
On the program, a discourse by Ambassador H.E. Mr Dilyor Khakimov. He started by saying “I am very glad to see the distinguished representatives of the European External Action Service, the European Commission, the European Council, the media, and all our friends. Special thanks to the distinguished Ambassadors of the EU Member States and their representatives.
Ambassador Khakimov and Mr. Luc Devigne, Deputy Managing Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia at the EEAS.
I am glad to welcome my good friend, Luc Devigne, Deputy Managing Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia at the EEAS.
It is very unique that at this event I am joined by my colleagues, Ambassadors of Uzbekistan to Austria – Mr. Abat Faizullaev, to Germany – Mr. Nabijon Kasimov, to France – Mr. Sardor Rustambaev and to Italy – Mr. Otabek Akbarov, are also present here tonight.
My special thanks also for the presence of the Ambassadors of our brotherly Central Asian states (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan) and Azerbaijan. Today’s event is dedicated to the state of the progress made in the relations between Uzbekistan and the European Union.
During the last years, under the leadership of the H.E. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, we are building a New Uzbekistan which regards the EU as one of its key international partner and attaches particular importance to the further development of mutually beneficial cooperation on a whole range of issues.
Uzbekistan is at an important stage of its development. The large-scale program of comprehensive reforms continues in the country, the main goal of which is the steady continuation of the process of transformation of Uzbekistan into a democratic, rule of law based state with a socially oriented market economy, ensuring comprehensive protection of the interests and rights of citizens, security, sustainable development and independence of the country.
Thanks to the democratic transformations in recent years, fundamental values have become a reality in the life of society – human rights and freedoms, rule of law, freedom of speech, freedom of religion and freedom of conscience.
A strong atmosphere of mutual respect, tolerance, peace and stability has been established in the country. The values of interethnic and interfaith friendship and brotherhood, which have been formed on the land of Uzbekistan for centuries, have been strengthened.
As far as the foreign policy is concerned, Uzbekistan carries out an open, neighborly and pragmatic course, aimed at turning Central Asia into a region of stability, security and prosperity. The priority of strengthening and expanding friendly relations and strategic partnership with all states of the world is being actively implemented. There is a unique mechanism for the development of regional cooperation – Consultative meetings of the heads of state of the region.
A historic document – Treaty on Friendship, Good-Neighborliness and Cooperation for the Development of Central Asia in the XXI Century – was signed in Kyrgyzstan during the Consultative Meeting on 21 July 2022.
Uzbekistan’s role in multilateral formats has intensified. Today, our country is taking important initiatives in the framework of the UN and other international organizations to address contemporary regional and global issues, such as promoting the settlement of the Afghan problem, climate change, Aral Sea disaster, achievement of Sustainable Development Goals, etc.
Uzbekistan held the Presidency in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Economic Cooperation Organization, as well as hosted the first time the Summit of the Organization of Turkic States in 2022.
It is no exaggeration to say that 2022 became a new page in bilateral and interregional relations between Uzbekistan and the EU.
The first visit of President of the European Council Charles Michel to our country on 27-28 October 2022, as well as fruitful negotiations and significant agreements reached within the framework of the participation of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in the first EU-Central Asia Summit on 27 October in Astana prompted the further development of our comprehensive cooperation.
Ambassadors of Uzbekistan in Europe, together with ambassadors of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan together with the Deputy Managing Director for Eastern Europe at EEAS.
The visit of EU High Representative Josep Borrell to our country on 17-19 November 2022 made it possible to once again discuss topical issues.
The EU-Central Asia Connectivity Conference organized at the initiative of Uzbekistan in Samarkand on 18 November 2022 was an important event in strengthening interregional cooperation. At the end of this event, specific agreements were reached on expansion of cooperation in digitalization, green economy, energy, climate change and transport.
The key areas of our cooperation with the EU and its member states are investments, trade, financial and technical assistance, high-tech transfer, science and technology, education, ecology, tourism, health and culture, as well as strengthening regional security.
A great achievement in our bilateral relations was the successful completion by the parties of negotiations on the Expanded Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA), as a result of which it was initialed on 6 July 2022 in Brussels.
I would like to emphasize that the main provisions of EPCA are fully in line with the Development Strategy of New Uzbekistan for 2022-2026 adopted in January 2022.
The Strategy identifies seven most important priorities for the country’s development in the coming years. They focus on human rights, strengthening civil society, ensure justice, rule of law and others.
The volume of bilateral trade turnover last year reached $4.48 billion (in 2021 – $3.79 billion). Currently, 1052 enterprises with investments from EU member states are working in our country, including 304 companies with 100 percent of European capital. In this regard, I would like to note that on 10 April 2021, Uzbekistan was granted the status of beneficiary of EU’s GSP+ scheme. This decision made it possible for about 6,200 types of goods produced in our country to enter the EU market without customs duties. Thanks to this, the export of Uzbek goods to the EU has increased significantly.
The Uzbek side is grateful to the European side for supporting Uzbekistan’s WTO accession and for providing the technical support (5 mln euros) in this direction. We are sure that this will serve to further expand trade and economic relations between Uzbekistan and the EU.
I am confident that the close friendly and constructive relations between Uzbekistan and the EU will continue to consistently strengthen and expand in the interests of our peoples.
In conclusion I will now give the floor to Mr. Luc Devigne, Deputy Managing Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia at the EEAS, as well as to my colleagues, Ambassadors of Uzbekistan to Austria, Germany, France and Italy”
Excerpts of the speeches by the above-mentioned persons now follow.ly.
Discourse by Mr Luc Devigne(EEAS)
“Celebrating the progress we have achieved in EU-Uzbekistan relations. Next year, we will celebrate thirty years of formal diplomatic relations between the European Union and Uzbekistan. It has been my honour to be the person on the EU side responsible for this relationship for nearly one third of that time.
Uzbekistan is youthful, dynamic, and rapidly growing. It is a positive force in a region that is geopolitically more and more important. Uzbekistan is outward-looking, active in promoting regional cooperation and global solutions, and a supporter of the multilateral order and the international rule of law. Our partnership is strong and based on common values as well as common interests.
Last year, it was my honour to initial the new Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the EU and Uzbekistan, as the EU’s chief negotiator. We were also able to formalise the entry of Uzbekistan into the EU’s General System of Preferences Plus, nearly two years ago. As well as giving us a new platform to discuss matters of mutual interest and international governance, this has also prompted a big increase in trade between the EU and Uzbekistan, taking advantage of the removal of tariffs on around two thirds of the product lines exported to the EU from Uzbekistan. In the first year of GSP+ membership, Uzbekistan’s exports to the EU more than doubled. Imports from the EU into Uzbekistan are also growing at a record rate.
Last November’s EU-Central Asia Sustainable Connectivity Conference in Samarkand was a great success, which owed much to the energy and leadership of the host nation. It is in our common interest to build closer economic ties between the EU and Uzbekistan, to support Uzbekistan’s economic reform process and its entry into the WTO.
The global situation is a concern, we are very conscious this week of the anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. We understand and respect Uzbekistan’s historical relationship with Russia, and the realities which this imposes. At the same time, we acknowledge Uzbekistan’s policy of balanced neutrality. As Russia’s war enters a second year, it is more important than ever that we work together to uphold international law and find international solutions which respect that law.
Europe is a partner for Uzbekistan as it continues to press forward with its reform programme. We are looking forward to seeing what will be achieved during President Mirziyoyev’s second term in office. We know that lessons will have been learnt from the events of last July in Nukus, particularly on the importance of broad, open consultation. The situation in Uzbekistan for human rights and fundamental freedoms has changed drastically for the better in the last few years, and we as your European partners wish to support you as you cement these positive changes with further reforms in the coming months and years.
Discourse by Uzbekistan Ambassador to Italy Mr Otabek Akbarov.
Uzbekistan-EU: State of the Progress. Today a stable dialogue and comprehensive cooperation in the political, economic and cultural spheres has been formed between Uzbekistan and the EU and its member countries.
We highly appreciate the new dynamics of our relations with Rome which has contributed to the intensification and expansion of cooperation in the political, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres.
We will always remember the first fundamental document with the EU, the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, was signed with the friendly support of the Italian Presidency of the EU Council in Florence in 1996.
We highly appreciate Italy’s support in obtaining the status of a beneficiary of the GSP+ system, as well as advancing the issue of Uzbekistan’s accession to the World Trade Organization .
Central Asia is the main priority of Uzbekistan’s foreign policy, based on building good neighbourly and constructive relations with all neighbouring countries. Uzbekistan is ready to become a gateway for Italy and all of Europe to Central Asia.
The President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, speaking at the first EU-Central Asia summit on October 27, 2022. in Astana, proposed the establishment of the European Union-Central Asia Economic Cooperation Committee and the development of a strategic program to deepen trade and economic cooperation.
We are working on the creation of an Italian-Uzbek Technology Hub based on Inno Technopark Uzbekistan in Tashkent together with one of the most important conditions for building a New Uzbekistan is to improve the quality of education, taking into account advanced foreign experience.
Cooperation with Italy in this area is the most advanced among all European countries. Two branches of Italian universities are already operating in Tashkent, the Turin Polytechnic University ( 2009) and the University of Pisa (2022).
Bukhara, is planning to open a branch of the Campania University named after Luigi Vanvitelli.
Last year, the University of World Economy and Diplomacy under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan established cooperation with the leading university in Italy – the Free International University for Social Research Guido Carli(University LUISS).
There is a growing interest in Italy for the historical and cultural heritage and today’s life of Uzbekistan.
On January 10 2023 a memorandum was signed between the Culture and Arts Development Foundation of Uzbekistan and the world-famous museum Uffizi Galleries in Florence on organisation of exhibition of paintings from the collection of the State Museum of Art named after Igor Savitsky.”
The Uzbekistan-EU: State of the Progress event was followed by a reception featuring Uzbek cuisine, a national music program and a photo-handicrafts and clothing exhibition. The Gulzoda group gave a concert featuring Maqom, an ancient type of folk art in Uzbekistan. Maqom singer Munojot Yulchiyeva is an Uzbek personality in the world of Art. Noteworthy, Maqom is on the UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The Uzbekistan-EU achievements make Uzbekistan feel a sense of pride and accomplishment !
Following successes of the similar programs in Europe (Vienna and Geneva notably), the Istanbul-based International Organization along with its European (think-tank, academia, cultural diplomacy and media) partners decided to launch the special executive program for emerging leaders (FLEP) on its own.
By its launch on 24th February 2023, this Program gathered participants of diverse professional backgrounds and different geographies, including Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East – largely the forthcoming leaders from the government, international organisations or industry. The FLEP Executive Program’s concept is rather simple: Participants are spending one entire day with top level speakers – mainly the world leaders that shaped events of the past decades (two per month, last Friday-Saturday in month) in an open, Chatham House rules-based atmosphere, all situated within the historic premisses of the eternal city on two continents.
The very opening of the program has been reserved for the paramount name of European and world statecraft, Austrian state President, Dr. Heinz Fischer, who spend the full day with the highly anticipating audience of the Program.
Excellency Fischer served as the national state president two consecutive terms (2004 – 2016). Witness to and active maker of major events of the past 4-5 decades, he also served as Minister of Science of the Republic of Austria from 1983 to 1987 (Fred Sinowatz government), and as the President of the National Council of Austria from 1990 to 2002. Between 1992 and 2004, Dr. Fischer was Deputy Chairman of the Party of European Social Democrats (PES). From 1995 to 2002 he was President of the National Fund of the Republic of Austria for the Victims of National Socialism. In June 2016 Heinz Fischer was named President of the Association of Austrian Adult Education Centres, and soon after as the President of the Austrian Society for Chinese Studies.
Finally, in January 2017 Heinz Fischer was named president to the Board of the Institute for Human Science, while in August that year, Excellency Fischer was appointed as co-chairman of the Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens – function he holds up to this very day.
During the day-long exchanges with the FLEP participants Excellency Fischer elaborated on his career path, notably his role in the national and European politics, on meetings with the heads of states and governments of many countries including biggest powers during his long career. He generously and enthusiastically shared elaborate views on the political climate and structures of Austria and Europe before WWI, in interwar period and especially in the post WWII recovery period. In addition, Dr. Fischer discussed the main challenges for the past 100 years – from poverty, Nazism, armaments, confrontations and lack of democratic and tolerant societal fabrics, collective actions and the crisis of the international multilateral political bodies than open the road for open military confrontation.
Vivid exchanges of views and opinions between speaker of honour and participants marked the closuring part of the 9 hours long lecturing and tour-de-table. Content intensive, inspiring reflective and farsighted, yet amicable and family-like atmosphere with a direct, personal access to the notable guest (full of coffee-breaks and meals spent together) along with the perfect organisation of principal host deeply impressed all.
Closing the event, Dr. Fischer and President of ICYF Taha Ayhan (as a principal host to the event), jointly voiced what all participants already concluded in the course of the day- that the FLEP Program offers truly unique setting, umparallel anywhere else in the world. Two Presidents both agreed that this particular format is once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for emerging leaders from the state, intergovernmental civil and corporate sectors of all meridians.
Indeed, the Program meeting hall was filled with the enthusiasm and hope for the formidable and attenable tomorrow that started on 24th February 2023 with the FLEP Istanbul program. The fascinating voyage of knowledge sets its uncharted waters sail. It will reach its next mesmerising port of wisdom and insights on 24th of March by hosting Prime Minister of Belgium and Secretary General of Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.
About the author
Yagmur Ceylan Korkut Hassan
Yagmur Ceylan Korkut Hassan – author is Madinah Group Istanbul Turkey Office Managing Partner and Chief Executive Officer.
She was attached to the office of European Union Youth and Education Turkey and Turkish National Agency.
The International Criminal Court marks International Women’s Day in support of global action to advance gender equality and women’s rights. The ICC promotes women’s rights and considers gender perspectives through its work.
The President of the Court, Judge Piotr Hofmański, stated: “The ICC is proud to be at the forefront of the movement toward gender equality in the field of international justice. With nine female and nine male judges currently on our bench, we project to the world the critical importance of the equal participation of men and women in the field of law. Yet, much more remains to be done to achieve effective equality of opportunities in our workforce. As an International Gender Champion, I am strongly committed to treating this as a continuous priority that requires tangible efforts on a daily basis.”
To ensure a safe and inclusive workplace for all, the ICC adopted its first Strategy on Gender Equality and Workplace Culture last year, and is now busy with its implementation to make equity a reality at the Court.
ICC Prosecutor Karim A. A. Khan KC stated: “On this International Women’s Day, I reaffirm my commitment to the ICC’s Gender Strategy and my conviction that gender equality, gender diversity, and empowerment of women within my Office are key prerequisites for high performance. Our working environment must be one in which everyone feels safe, welcome, and thrives professionally.”
He added: ‘’Our Office also protects women’s rights in the crimes we investigate and prosecute. That includes the crime of gender persecution – the ultimate crime of discrimination towards women, including lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex women. Effective investigation and prosecution of gender persecution, amongst other sexual and gender based crimes, are key priorities for my Office, as reflected in the new policy paper on gender persecution issued in December 2022. All strategies of my Office must bring results in the courtroom, for the sake of survivors. To this end, my Office also aims to issue a re-envisioned policy paper on sexual and gender based crimes.”
ICC Registrar Peter Lewis stated: “The Strategy on Gender Equality and Workplace Culture is the first such roadmap adopted by the Court, as well as by any international court or tribunal, binding concrete steps towards gender equality in the context of workplace culture advancements. It is a recognition that to be a beacon of justice and accountability around the world, we must start by ensuring the highest standards of equality, diversity and inclusion inside our walls, among the personnel working at the Court”.
The Focal Point for Gender Equality of the International Criminal Court, Antônia Pereirade Sousa, said: “Together with the Staff Union, the ICC Bar Association and the OTP Gender Focal Point, we have invited all ICC personnel to join us in an internal conference to recognize the critical contributions of women in shaping international criminal justice, and to look ahead at the future generations of talented and aspiring women who will continue to make it a stronger instrument towards international peace, security, and the wellbeing of the world”.
International Women’s Day celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievement of women, while stressing the need to make further progress in gender balance and women’s empowerment.
On Friday, March 3 on the occasion of the Day of Diplomat of Armenia, The Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia H.E. Dr. Tigran Balayan hosted a piano concert by pianists Professor Anahit Nersesyan and Marina Gevorgyan in the Hague.
Both pianists came directly from Yerevan to perform a series of concerts in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague. Ambassador Balayan organized another great event, always giving the floor to the best Armenian artists. Ambassadors from Panama, Serbia, Costa Rica, and Argentina, diplomats, together with Armenians from The Hague Diaspora enjoyed the master concert.
Antropologe and feminist Dunya Verwey, talked about the Museum Geelvinck collection of Dutch grand historic pianos from the 18th and 19th century and their restoration program.
Marina Gevorgyan explained the details of the great music program including pieces from Armenian composers Khachaturyan and Komitas. After the concert Ambassador Balayan offered a reception with Armenian wines.
H.E. Mr. Arnoldo Brenes Castro, Ambassador of Costa Rica, the Ambassador of Armenia, H.E. Mr. Tigran Balayan, H.E. Ms. Ksenija Milenkovic, Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia and H.E. Mr. Mario Oyarzabal, Ambassador of Argentina.
Museum Geelvinck
In Amsterdam both Armenian pianists performed in Museum Geelvinck. The museum manages the largest Dutch collection of pianos from the 18th and 19th century (more than 300 instruments). This also includes the most important collection of early Dutch-made pianos, as well as the Sweelinck Collection. It gives a picture of the development of the piano’s mechanics in interaction with classical music. The unique timbre and playing technique of these special pianos provide inspiration for contemporary composers.
Antropologe and feminist Dunya Verwey.
The Geelvinck Salon was set up eighteen years ago. This series regularly brings concerts with varying classical programming; especially fortepiano. But also early music ensembles, crossovers with world music, and music theatre. Museum Geelvinck started in 1991 and today it is located in the catacombs of the Posthoornkerk in Amsterdam and also in the countryside Huize Kolthoorn in Heerde (NO-Veluwe). Both locations can be visited on request. New public presentations and various music activities are planned for 2023. Museum Geelvinck is included in the Museum Register and accepts the Museum Card.
Geelvinck Music in Museums encourages musicians, piano technicians and music scientists to work with historic pianos. Under their management, it is played by young, professional musicians and ensembles. Historic pianos are a source of inspiration for musicians and composers.
Marina Gevorgyan.
Both pianists from Armenia Marina Gevorgyan and Professor Anahit Nersesyan were amazed by the quality of the pianos and thanked the Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia H.E. Dr. Tigran Balayanfor for the wonderful opportunity to play on these unique instruments in Museum Geelvinck.
Most historic pianos are still waiting for restoration. Support this initiative! Your gift is tax-deductible: the museum foundation is a ‘cultural ANBI’: become a Friend of Museum Geelvinck or make a contribution to bank account no. NL55 RABO 0314238131 for Museum Geelvinck o.v.v. “donation of historic pianos”. All your financial contributions and also gifts or a legacy of your grand piano, fortepiano carré, music books, sheet music, etc. are very welcome!
Support the preservation for future generations and donate for restoration. Give our living musical heritage a resounding future!
ICC Prosecutor Karim A. A. Khan KC concludes fourth visit to Ukraine: “Amidst this darkness, the light of justice is emerging”
I have now completed my fourth official visit to Ukraine. This mission came at a pivotal moment, allowing us to take key steps forward in our investigative work, deepen our engagement with national authorities and meet with those impacted by alleged international crimes in Ukraine. I leave Ukraine with a sense that the momentum towards justice is accelerating.
In Kyiv, I joined our team of investigators and analysts who have been on the ground continuously since May last year, visiting sites of alleged attacks on critical civilian infrastructure as well as homes destroyed by missile strikes. Together with the Prosecutor General of Ukraine, Andriy Kostin, we underlined our collective commitment to ensure that such acts are fully investigated and those responsible for alleged international crimes held to account.
During my visit, I was pleased to meet on two occasions with the President of Ukraine, His Excellency Mr Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Our common message was clear: the pursuit of justice is a collective one, and one that requires collaboration and effective communication while respecting the independent exercise of the respective mandates of my Office and those of Ukrainian authorities.
This spirit of cooperation was reflected in a key step taken during my visit: the approval by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine of the Agreement on the Establishment of the Country Office of the International Criminal Court in Ukraine. This will allow us to significantly enhance our existing field presence, increase missions across Ukraine and, crucially, allow us to work more closely with survivors, members of impacted communities, and civil society.
Since taking up my position as Prosecutor, I have repeatedly said that children must no longer be the forgotten victims of conflict. My mission to Ukraine has underlined this imperative. In southern Ukraine, two kilometres from the frontlines, I visited a care home for children.
The drawings pinned on the wall and the cupboards full of clothes spoke to a context of love and support that was once there. But this home was empty, a result of alleged deportation of children from Ukraine to the Russian Federation or their unlawful transfer to other parts of the temporarily occupied territories. As I noted to the United Nations Security Council last September, these alleged acts are being investigated by my Office as a priority. Children cannot be treated as the spoils of war.
These allegations, and the lived experiences of so many in Ukraine, reflect a deeply challenging, often tragic, context. But during my visit it was also clear that this darkness has allowed us to see new ways of coming together, new ways of building partnerships towards justice.
This was the common message across all actors at the United for Justice Conference in Lviv which I was pleased to attend. It is unprecedented that as conflict takes place, literally as bombs fall, such a groundswell of collective work is being undertaken to ensure that the law is felt on the frontlines.
Concrete action was taken at the conference, with the establishment of the Ukraine Accountability Dialogue Group to increase information-sharing and awareness across all relevant actors. My Office was also pleased to take part in a meeting of the joint investigation team (JIT) on alleged core international crimes committed in Ukraine.
I underlined to those present that the situation in Ukraine must also set a new standard for concerted action to achieve global accountability for international crimes. From Kharkiv to Khartoum, from Kyiv to Cox’s Bazar, survivors should feel this sense of collective urgency and benefit from the innovation we see we are now capable of.
While in Lviv, I was also pleased to meet with key counterparts including EU Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders and Mr Merrick Garland, Attorney General of the United States. This moment requires us to come together, to find new ways to collaborate and share information if we are to deliver for those that have suffered injustice.
My Office remains committed to continue to work with all partners, across civil society, national authorities, and international organisations, so that we can deliver tangible results and demonstrate the relevance of the rule of law in real-time. I will also yet again reach out to the authorities of the Russian Federation and seek their cooperation with my Office.
I wish to express my sincere thanks to the Prosecutor General of Ukraine and to all representatives of relevant ministries and agencies who dedicated time to meet with me during this visit despite the exceptionally difficult circumstances currently faced by all in Ukraine.
Friday, 3 March 2023, Republic of Ireland: The Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin, and Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin, announced a €2 million joint investment in a season of Irish arts and culture which will take place in Germany.
The season will be a joint partnership between Culture Ireland and the Department of Foreign Affairs, with the aim of deepening Ireland’s cultural engagement with Germany, as a key partner in Europe, as we mark the fiftieth anniversary of our membership of the European Union.
In line with the ambition of Global Ireland, Ireland is committed to strengthening our global cultural presence and impact and places a strategic priority on arts and creativity as a key outward expression of our identity. This initiative aims to provide a special focus on the presentation of contemporary Irish arts in Germany. The Irish Embassy in Berlin and the Consulate-General in Frankfurt, with on-the-ground engagement, will work alongside Culture Ireland to co-fund, plan and deliver the programme.
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin, commented as per statement linked below:
“Germany is a vital political and economic partner for Ireland and our bilateral relations are excellent, with a major increase in contacts and coordination between Ireland and Germany since the 2018 strategic review of Ireland’s relations with Germany and the subsequent German-Irish Joint Plans of Action were launched. I am delighted that my department and our Embassy in Berlin and Consulate General in Frankfurt are partnering with Culture Ireland to present a curated season with a vibrant, contemporary and high-quality cultural programme in major venues, institutions and festivals across Germany, and which will grow German audiences for Irish arts.”
This new initiative follows Culture Ireland’s successful delivery of previous special projects, including the international culture programme as part of Ireland 2016 and more recently, Culture Ireland GB18, which focussed on cultural activity in Britain. This new initiative will create new opportunities for artists and companies across artforms to perform across Germany as well as develop their networks of contacts with German-based artists and cultural institutions.
The Republic of Kosovo celebrated its 15th year of Independence with a stellar concert by the Trio Don’t Listen To YourNeighbours made up of Adhurim Grezda: bariton-vocalist, Dalvin Mamusha: violin, and Endrit Xerxa: guitar.
Kosovo 15th Anniversary. Trio Don’t Listen To Your Neighbours.
The repertoire consisted of soul-stirring traditional Kosovo-Albanian folk songs in a modern style with elements of jazz. Folk songs such as Vendi Im, My Homeland, Kori I fshatit tone, The stream of our village, to mention a few.
It has been a dazzling show, the trio captivated the attention of the audience consisting of friends and well-wishers of Kosovo, business relations and a large contingent of the diaspora.
Ambassador Doli and his spouse welcomed the Ambassador of Malta, H.E. Mr. Marc Anthony Pace.
A good number of Ambassadors and diplomats attended the event, among them Costa Rica, Malta, IOM, Colombia, Finland, Tunisia, Malaysia, Luxembourg, Albania, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam and Bangladesh.
After the concert, a reception followed with a selection of savoury Kosovo food: qebapa, burek, cheese, baklava and much more.
As for the music, Kosovo-Albania folk songs, yet very much international as guests seemingly identified beats and vibrations from southern Italy, Maghreb and Caribbean vibes and tunes. The drum and tambourine might have contributed to perceiving the rhythms.
Ambassador Doli and H.E. Mr. Jean-Marc Hoscheit, Ambassador of Luxembourg.
In his opening remarks H.E. Ambassador H.E. Mr. Dren Doli presented the Dutch translation of the book ‘’Glimmer of Hope, Glimmer of Flame’’-‘’Een sprankje hoop, een lont’’ by Ag Apolloni(Kosovo) The book was translated in Dutch language by Jan Jansen. Guests received a complimentary copy of the book and had the opportunity to have their book signed by the author. Ambassador Dren Doli gave an abstract of the book. He stated, “Here is a book about hope and hopelessness, it is about our history. The book tells the story of two Kosovo mothers, Ms. Pashka and Ms. Ferdonije.
The Ambassador of Kosovo welcome H.E. Mr. Ilkka-Pekka Antero Similä, Ambassador of Finland..
Pashka’s two sons had been murdered by the Serbian forces during the Kosovo war in 1999. After the war when remains of Pashka’s sons were found, Pashka lost all the hope. She decided to end her life. She could not live in a world that ignored her prayers to reunite with her sons.
But in Ferdonije’s story there’s a grim of hope, although she lost all of her four sons and her husband. They were taken from her during the war and she never saw them again. Years after, Ferdonije got the news that the remains of two of her sons were discovered in mass grave. They were 24 and 14 years old. To this day, she is hoping that her other 2 sons and her husband will return. She is waiting. “
“My family home is a few blocks from Ferdonije’s.” said Ambassador doli. “Each time I visit my parents in my hometown I pass by her house where she still lives, and it makes me think that could have been my own house, my destiny, my story. And it is.”
Concert Kosovo’s 15th Anniversary. The Hague.
Ambassador Doli went on with his welcome remarks, “Today, as we celebrate the 15th Anniversary of our Independence, we cannot stop but think about our own stories, filled both with hopelessness and hope, and yet again, use them to look forward and build our future.
At the same time, in today’s world, these truths, these personal stories that characterise our modern history, make us even more determined to protest, to oppose and to denounce this unjustified war in Ukraine.
My dear guests, since February 2008, Kosovo has built a strong and resilient democracy, with modern and robust legal system, a thriving economy that managed to surprise sceptics.
For example, in 2021, we reached a 10% economic growth, while in 2022, despite the inflation and war related market pressures we were able to achieve a 4 % growth. Today, Kosovo stands as a proud and independent nation, hopeful of brighter and better future for the next generation.
I would to use this day to thank our Dutch and international friends for their continuous support in the Netherlands and beyond. As the Ambassador of Kosovo to the Netherlands, I would like to reiterate that the Netherlands has been an important partner of Kosovo in all fronts for many decades now.
I will share with you few recent examples of these strong bonds. In 2022 Manifesta, a Dutch organization, hosted its 14 edition of one of the biggest contemporary art exhibitions in our capital Prishtina.
Dutch companies operating in the ICT and service Sector, including recycling, food industry and agriculture have become important players in our economy.
Celebrating Kosovo’s 15th Anniversary.
Finally, I, would also like to express my deepest gratitude and appreciation for our Diaspora living in the Netherlands. They have shown remarkable courage and determination and have become the bridge that links Kosovo and the Netherlands. You are an inspiration to us all at the Embassy, and I am honoured to serve as your Ambassador in the Netherlands.”
17 February 2023 at the Concordia Theatre in The Hague was a memorable Kosovo cultural evening.
On February 23 this year, an international conference was held on the topic “Interaction and cooperation in the field of reliable protection of human rights and freedom” at the Congress Center of the “Silk Road Samarkand” complex in the city of Samarkand. It was in connection with the 28th anniversary of the establishment of the institution of the Ombudsman or Authorized Person of the Oliy Majlis for Human Rights.
The main purpose of the event dedicated to the 28th anniversary of the Ombudsman is to exchange experience with the Ombudsmen of foreign countries, national institutions, competent state bodies and international organizations in ensuring human rights and freedoms, strengthening cooperation in protecting the interests of our compatriots working in foreign countries.
The conference was organized by the Authorized Person for Human Rights of the Oliy Majlis (Ombudsman) in collaboration with OSCE Project Coordinator in Uzbekistan, USAID Legal Reform Program. The conference was attended by representatives of national human rights institutions, international associations and the diplomatic corps of about 20 foreign countries, including the ombudsmen of Portugal, Serbia, Hungary, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Russia, Thailand, the Kingdom of Morocco, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan. The event was also attended by members of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis and deputies of the Legislative Chamber, representatives of the Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court, the Prosecutor General’s Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Justice, the National Center of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Human Rights and a number of state organizations, members of the commission under the Authorized Person of the Oliy Majlis for Human Rights (ombudsman), representatives of civil society institutions, as well as the media.
The word ombudsman is understood all over the world as a “defender of human rights”. The main task of the ombudsmen is to inform the government about the problems that exist in society in the field of human rights, based on the analysis of citizens’ appeals. The relevant organizations, following the recommendations of the Ombudsman, increase the efficiency of their activities by eliminating shortcomings in the system. At present, ombudsman institutions have been introduced in almost 180 countries of the world.
On February 23, 1995, the Ombudsman institution was introduced in Uzbekistan as one of the first among the CIS countries. Over the past period, the Authorized Person of the Oliy Majlis for Human Rights (ombudsman) has taken a worthy place in protecting the rights and freedoms of citizens, including those held in closed institutions with limited freedom of movement. More than 20 memorandums of cooperation have been signed with national human rights institutions in a number of foreign countries. The Ombudsman has become a member of such international associations as the International Ombudsman Institute, the European Ombudsman Institute, the Asian Ombudsman Association, the Association of Turkic Speaking Countries and National Human Rights Institutions, and the Eurasian Ombudsman Alliance.
Parliament, Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
In addition, since 2022, in accordance with the relevant Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, regional representatives of the Ombudsman have begun their activities on an ongoing basis. This made it possible to quickly ensure the protection of citizens, save time and costs for their arrival at the center, promptly study applications on the spot, and increase the number of monitoring visits.
The international conference was divided into sessions. Topical aspects of protecting the rights of women and youth, persons with disabilities and persons held in penitentiary institutions, as well as issues of mutual cooperation of the Ombudsman with state bodies and representatives of civil society were discussed.
In the first session, the participants of the international event got acquainted with the best practices for respecting the rights of women, youth and ensuring their interests.
It was noted that ensuring equal opportunities in the exercise of human rights and freedoms, creating sufficient conditions for persons with disabilities is one of the topical issues. In the course of its activities, the Ombudsman pays special attention to the appeals of persons with disabilities. Based on the analysis of appeals, in 2022, at the initiative of the Authorized Person monitoring studies of the conditions created for persons with disabilities in public places and ensuring the rights of prisoners (convicts) who cannot move freely due to their disability were studied, parliament and relevant state authorities were provided with information on the identified shortcomings.
In 2022, the Ombudsman and public groups made 381 (in 2020 – 76, in 2021 – 177) monitoring visits to places of detention of persons with limited freedom of movement. They conducted collective and individual interviews with more than 6,000 convicts (prisoners) and 1,657 convicts (prisoners), respectively. Representatives of the public and the media participated in these monitoring visits as well.
As part of the event, memorandums on bilateral cooperation were signed between the Ombudsmen of Hungary, Serbia and the Authorized Person of the Oliy Majlis for Human Rights (ombudsman).
As a result of the international conference, the Samarkand resolution was adopted.
The Ukrainian authorities organised the United for Justice Conference from 3-5 March in the city of Lviv, bringing together a great number of stakeholders involved in the efforts to ensure accountability for core international crimes allegedly committed in Ukraine. As a key outcome of the conference, the seven partner countries* of the Eurojust supported joint investigation team (JIT) decided to amend the agreement between them in order to reflect the future role of the International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression (ICPA).
The ICPA will be part of the existing support structure for the JIT, with a specific focus on supporting and enhancing investigations into the crime of aggression. The current amendments to the JIT agreement formalize Eurojust’s role in support of the ICPA and specify that JIT partner countries may benefit from the additional logistical, financial and operational support it offers.
As a JIT participant, the Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) of the International Criminal Court may take part in the cooperation via the ICPA when certain conditions are met. Now that the ICPA is officially part of the JIT agreement, Eurojust will proceed with the practical implementation. The main building blocks are expected to be in place by the summer. The JIT members, the OTP and Eurojust will continue their smooth cooperation regarding ongoing investigations on alleged core international crimes in Ukraine.
Commenting on the revised JIT agreement, Eurojust President Mr Ladislav Hamran said: ‘These amendments are a crucial milestone in the process of setting up the ICPA. They reflect the ambition of all JIT partners to address the impunity gap and give Eurojust a solid legal basis to proceed with the practical implementation as swiftly as possible. The fact that the amendments were agreed upon during such an important conference in Lviv is a symbol of our continued commitment to ensuring justice for the Ukrainian people.’
The United for Justice Conference also marked the official launch of the Ukraine Accountability Dialogue Group, aimed at promoting dialogue and coherence across the diverse range of accountability initiatives currently in motion. The decision to set up the Dialogue Group was taken by 45 countries at the Ukraine Accountability Conference, held in The Hague on 14 July last year. Together with the Ukrainian Prosecutor General’s Office, Eurojust will co-chair a workstream on national investigations with the aim to identify key challenges faced in core international crime cases and jointly propose solutions at policy level.
The conference was officially opened by Ukrainian President Mr Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as well as by a video message of the European Commission President Ms Ursula von der Leyen, and amongst the participants were Prosecutor General of Ukraine Mr Andriy Kostin, European Commissioner for Justice Mr Didier Reynders and Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court Mr Karim A. A. Khan QC. Over the course of three days, there were many panel discussions on a wide range of topics related to the ongoing accountability efforts.
* Ukraine, Lithuania, Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Slovakia and Romania.
