United Arab Emirates Continues its Policy of Modernizing Intelligence Services

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United Arab Emirates Continues its Policy of Modernizing Intelligence Services

By Corneliu Pivariu

The geopolitical evolutions in the Middle East marked by the so-called “Arab Spring”, the conflict in Yemen, the threat represented by the Iranian nuclear program and other global geopolitical developments determined United Arab Emirates (UAE) to take some important steps for modernizing and improving its intelligence services starting with the middle of the last decade[1].

As demonstrated by the evolutions of modern intelligence services, the countries enjoying considerable financial resources as it is the case of UAE are developing predominantlly their technical segments such as Signal Intelligence and more recently Artificial Intelligence (AI). This is due to the fact that getting certain important results by using technical means for acquiring information is relatively faster and safer as compared to using information gathered by human sources (HUMINT), which requires longer time for readying and exploiting such capabilities[2].

Besides enhancing its intelligence technical capabilities, UAE continued as well to encourage the development of the private sector of security especially in the cyber field, under a relatively tight government control of these activities indeed. Nevertheless, some slippages occured such as the Raven Project[3] (the Emirati company Dark Matter was embroiled among others), which triggered a FBI investigation for the use of certain activities of digital espionage leading to arresting foreign dissidents, besides a certain degree of involvement in Jamal Khashoggi’s assassination, gathering information about Gulf monarchies and other Middle Eastern countries.

UAE further enhanced the capabilities of the National College of Defence, headed presently by Maj. Gen. Aqab Shahin Al Ali, and having Thomas Drohan as Dean (he was preceded by John R. Ballard, the College’s first Dean). Joel Hayword’s name, considered an important international specialist in the field of military strategy and history of war, a New Zealander, is mentioned at one of the College’s faculties.

National Electronic Security Authority (established in 2012 with the US assistance) headquartered in Abu Dhabi was renamed Signal Intelligence Agency (SIA). The Authority is the counterpart of NSA in the US and penetrating ISIS in UAE was one of its achievements. At the same time, there were suspicions that the Authority or other Emirati intelligence services were involved in using ToTok App for recording certain conversations, relations, meetings and pictures of the general public in the Emirate.

For the 2022-2026 Five Year Plan, the UAE’s approved cyber budget amounts to 79 billion dollar, the biggest in the country’s history. According to Global Security Index 2020, UAE ranks 5th in the world.

Financial Intelligence Unit (UAEFIU) is another important institution headed presently by Ali Faisal Ba’Alawi. The name dates back to 2019 and it is in fact the continuation of an organization established in 1998 by the UAE Central Bank  as a special investigation unit of fraud and suspicious transactions, renamed Anti-Money Laundering and Suspicious Cases Unit in 2002.

Although it is not part of the established field of the intelligence services, it is worth mentioning that UAE created a ministry of Artificial Intelligence, more precisely the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, headed by Omar Sultan al Olama.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE declared that “we want UAE to become the best prepared country in the world in the field of Artificial Intelligence”, and an ambitious program for 2031 was launched to this purpose.

The program will have an important impact on the evolution of the Emirati intelligence services as well.

Last but not least, we notice a strengthening of the relations with intelligence services of other states, notably Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Israel, USA and maintaining good relations with correspondent services of countries such as Egypt, Russia, China and other.

In the development of the intelligence services activities, UAE hire experts among the specialists in the field from other countries, especially retirees in states like USA, Great Britain and other who are enticed with attractive salaries.

[1] See https:// diplomatmagazine.eu/2018/02/03/united-arab-emirates-modernizes-intelligence-services/

[2] It is generally estimated that training a HUMINT intelligece officer lasts 10 to 15 years.

[3] See https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/usa-spying-raven/

Robert Melwitz – The Godfather of the Swedish language

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<strong>Robert Melwitz – The Godfather of the Swedish language</strong>

It all started in March 2020 when COVID-19 reached Europe. Practically the whole world was kept in quarantine, whereas Sweden, as generally known, chose another path, neither quarantine nor mandatory face masks in public places, only recommendations for both of the latter measures.

Life was more or less the same in Sweden in the midst of the corona pandemic while the rest of the world was kept in lockdown. During that lockdown period, people came up with different ways to interact and entertain each other virtually. Back then, the train operator and Swedish language teacher Robert Melwitz came up with the idea to teach people living both, in and especially outside of Sweden, the Swedish language while sitting at home in quarantine. The implementation was simple: create a Facebook group, announce it in other Facebook groups, and conduct the lessons using TEAMS software.

To his amazement, there was a much larger demand for the Swedish language than he could ever imagine. Hundreds and thousands of people from Germany, Eastern Europe, India, and North America joined his group. The Swedish language appears to be much more popular than people in Sweden might think. There is even a trend in the USA and Canada that as a result of genetic tests, many people who discover their Swedish heritage, decide to learn Swedish.

The online Swedish lessons were conducted twice a week, and there were 40 to 70 participants in each online lesson. The lessons were recorded so much more people could learn from them even if they could not partake in real-time sessions. Soon there was an entire community built up.

After a few months, in August 2021, when quarantine requirements ceased in many countries, people started to go to their offices, and return to their daily routines. Those who wished to continue learning Swedish with Robert Melwitz asked him to conduct private, intensive courses for them in order to achieve their objectives. Many medical doctors joined as they need to pass C1 Swedish level in order to work in Sweden as licensed doctors, or as permanent residents of Finland – as there is a language requirement, and Swedish is also an official language in Finland.

Those who could not afford the language course yet were eager to learn were also welcomed to join Swedish courses. At the same time, once a week, Robert organized the online Swedish Conversation Club, a virtual language café, where people from all over the world join to talk and practice Swedish and sometimes have book reading sessions. The online Swedish language café is very popular today, with thousands of members and dozens of active members attending every session. It is also an attractive place for Swedish language researchers with Swedish as second language field.

Due to the Ukrainian crisis in the winter of 2022 many Ukrainians sought refuge in Sweden. Normally refugees in Sweden are eligible for SFI (Swedish for migrants) yet the government decided not to provide them with Swedish language courses as it was thought that the war would end soon. Robert Melwitz was one of the first to take the initiative and gathered nearly 1800 Ukrainians to conduct an online Swedish course free of charge for them. Robert’s “Swedish for Ukrainians” project caught the attention of SVT, Swedish television. Nearly hundreds of people attended to virtual life session classes and recorded lessons were also available for those who could not attend.

Robert is particularly proud of the Ukrainian doctor students who chose to pursue the entire programme and went on to even pass the Swedish TISUS examination.

In 2023 Robert Melwitz initiated a project, “Hela världen pluggar svenska” (The whole world studies Swedish), offering free Swedish classes to all universities in the world by establishing an offshore Swedish language department at universities. All universities that wish to hold Swedish courses are welcome to join the project.

For further information

Learn Swedish Online

About Robert Melwitz

Since 2020 Robert Melwitz has conducted Swedish language courses attended by hundreds of students who subsequently passed the C1 Swedish language proficiency test, TISUS in Sweden, and YKI in Finland.

Robert is so passionate about teaching the Swedish language, and making it available to everyone that one of his students called him “The Godfather of the Swedish language”.

Discover the 13 Overseas Countries and Territories of the European Union

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Discover the 13 Overseas Countries and Territories of the European Union

By Roy Lie Atjam

The Overseas Countries and Territories Association, OCTA; French: Association des pays et territoires d’outre-mer de l’Union européenne,  is an international organisation founded on 17 November 2000 during the conference of Prime Ministers of Overseas Countries and Territories in Brussels, Belgium.

The Overseas Countries and Territories Association (OCTA) is an organisation which serves as a platform, helping the OCTA members to realise their common goals by working collectively, policy dialogue, promotion of common positions and partnerships for the sustainable development of OCTA. It currently has 13 members.

The OCTA members: Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, French Polynesia, French Southern and Artic Lands, Greenland, New Caledonia, Saba, St Barthelemy, St Pierre and Miquelon, St Eustatius, St Maarten, Wallis and Futuna.

The 19th annual EU-OCTA Forum  Ministerial Conference took place on  21 November 2022, hosted by the President of New Caledonia, Mr Louis Mapou, Chair of OCTA since December 2020. Representatives of the Overseas Countries and Territories met in Nouméa, New Caledonia.

The OCTA  representatives met to set the political orientations and priorities for the future of the Association. The results of the discussions are in a Political Declaration and were presented to the European Commission.

The Ministerial Conference is the highest governing body and establishes the mandate to the executive committee for the next 12 months. The exchanges between the 13 European -OCTA members mainly focused on the evolution of governance, the results and the prospects of the partnership with the European Union post-2021.

The Executive Committee members for the coming year were elected, with the EU representative for Curaçao elected President and Sint Maarten’s EU representative elected to the position of Vice-President.

The remaining members of the executive committee are Aruba, Greenland and Wallis et Futuna. The Treasurer and Secretary will be chosen at the first meeting held by the Executive Committee in December.

The conference was updated on the status of various EU-funded programmes such as Archipel, EU, the GO programme and the Caribbean, Pacific and Indian Ocean Regional programmes under the 11th EDF.

The Minister Plenipotentiary of Sint Maarten in the Netherlands,  H.E. Minister Rene Violenus, attended the 19th annual EU-OCTA Forum and Ministerial conference in Nouméa, New Caledonia. 

The Minister also headed the delegation consisting of Ms Carol Voges, the EU representative for Sint Maarten and Director at the Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary and Ms Nikima Hickinson, Senior Policy Advisor at the department of BAK.

During the EU-OCTA Forum, Minister Violenus signed the Multi-annual Indicative Programme (MIP) 2021-2027 on behalf of the Government of Sint Maarten. The focus of the MIP will be on sustainable and resilient energy, to the amount of € 7.7 million.

The 19th Overseas Countries and Territories – European Union Forum Nouméa, 22 November 2022 concluded with a 19 points joint Forum presentation.

The next OCT-EU Forum is scheduled to take place in Brussels in the second half of 2023.

New Caledonia: Terre de Parole, Terre de Partage-“Land of speech, land of sharing”(motto)

Photo New Caledonia Government

The Diplomatic Grower

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The Diplomatic Grower

By Alexandra Paucescu

Over the last three years, as I did my monthly interviews with so many diplomatic spouses from all over the world, I discovered great stories of life, interesting and accomplished people, who not only proved my theory that a brilliant career can nicely go hand in hand with the ‘diplomatic spouse’ job, but, most of the time, they even exceeded my expectations.

Dr. Yazid Manap is the perfect example of that.

He is a Mechanical Engineer and a Food Technologist by qualification and a Researcher/Academician by profession. He graduated from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA and the University of Glasgow, Scotland, UK. He was for many years a professor at the University Putra Malaysia (UPM), the Dean of the Faculty of Food Science and Biotechnology (UPM) and Director of the Halal Research Institute. He recently retired (in 2021) but he is still very active and involved. ‘I am in the process of completing an academic book in my field’, he says. 

Life took him to different corners of the earth, from Malaysia to the USA, UK, Switzerland and now the Netherlands, where he is currently residing since August 2021 with his wife, the Malaysian ambassador to the Dutch kingdom.

He tells me: ‘I enjoyed life in all the places where we lived. Being in the diplomatic world is an enjoyable and fruitful experience. Plus that I now have plenty of time to read and write’.

Dr. Yazid Manap with his wife, H.E. Mrs. Nadzirah Binti Osman, Ambassador of Malaysia.

He also speaks about his other passion ‘… I love gardening. Sometime in the future, I’d love to be a farmer, being closer to the land, closer to the environment, specifically. I’d like to be ‘a grower’, as they call it here, in the Netherlands’.

But the way that I see it, he is already a ‘grower’… he grew a beautiful family with 6 children and 3 grandchildren, a family that he is most proud of.

He fully appreciates the life he is living, takes his time to discover the new country of residence, the Netherlands. He likes to meet new people and to make new friends. ‘I love being in different places and cultures’, he says. ‘We have a great opportunity to be very close to the culture and people of the country where we are posted’. He likes to try new foods and to play golf, whenever he has the time.

He admits that diplomatic life can sometimes be lonely and he also confesses that ‘the most difficult part is at the beginning of each diplomatic posting’. I totally agree, I am now at the beginning of our diplomatic mission in Belgium and, as much I love to discover Brussels, I still miss the familiarity of my previous residence. It always takes time, patience and perseverance and, as Dr Manap says, ‘it doesn’t help being on introvert’. You have to learn to reach out to people, to be open and friendly.

He also adds that ‘people sometimes have misconceptions about our proper role or function within the diplomatic world’. True!

He would advise younger spouses, at the beginning of this ‘diplomatic road’ to be supportive, to take care and pursue their own professional life and career, but ‘always make the time to be with the spouse’. I have often said that the full and constant family support is critical to any successful diplomatic career. At the end of the day, family is the most important. And what makes the difference in life is also a great attitude towards it…

As his life motto says, ‘always be happy and thankful!’

About the author:

Alexandra Paucescu


Alexandra Paucescu- Author of “Just a Diplomatic Spouse” Romanian, management graduate with a Master in business, cultural diplomacy and international relations studies.

She speaks Romanian, English, French, German and Italian,  gives lectures on intercultural communication and is an active NGO volunteer.

A dual identity – A Personification of a logo

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A dual identity – A Personification of a logo

By Arjen IJff

Last September, I participated in a logo design contest organised by the Embassy of the Netherlands in Hanoi and the Consulate-General in Ho Chi Minh City, on the occasion of 50 years of diplomatic relations between the Netherlands and Vietnam 1973–2023. At the beginning of October I received the news that I was selected as the winner. I was completely overwhelmed, because for me this is not merely a logo – it reflects my dual identity.

In January 1975, 48 years ago, I was born in the Mekong Delta, in the Vĩnh Long province. As a new born baby, only a few days old, I have been abandoned without any note at the Good Shephed Convent & Orphanage at the To Thi Huynh Street in the city of Vĩnh Long. This orphanage was run by Roman Catholic nuns.

After a few days, I was brought to the residence of the Dutch Embassy in Saigon, the capital of South Vietnam, through Father Aarts, a Dutch priest and missionary of the Roman Catholic organization of Don Bosco, who worked in Vietnam and was a friend of the Dutch Embassy. He drove a van and brought some children to the Friends of the Children of Vietnam. This was a large orphanage in Go Vap District, also run by nuns. From there, the orphans were distributed to several adoption agencies and embassies. Father Aarts had good contacts with orphanages, especially the Sisters of the Good Shephard in Vĩnh Long.

Arjen IJff in front of the old residence of the Dutch Embassy where he has been cared the first three months of his life by Mr. and Mrs. Van Roijen.

Orphans with mixed background were ‘in demand’ at the time, partly because babies with lighter skin were favored, but partly also because these children would have a hard time growing up in Vietnam. You could be discriminated or banned from your family because of the tight and hierarchic family culture. My skin was lighter and the blue ‘birth mark’ above my buttocks – the so-called Mongolian spot that is visible in almost all Asian babies at birth – was absent.

For the first months of my life, therefore, I was taken care of in the residence of the Dutch Embassy in Saigon by Mrs. Carolina van Roijen, wife of the Dutch Chargé d’Affaires Jan Herman van Roijen.

In April 1975, just two weeks before the end of the war, Mrs Van Roijen transferred me – together with 26 other orphans – to the Netherlands. We were adopted by lovely parents and built up a good life.

Official launch identity ‘NLVN50, 50 years of diplomatic relations between the Netherlands and Vietnam 1973 – 2023’ with Kees van Baar, Ambassador, Liesje Schreinemacher, Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade & Development Cooperation, Arjen IJff, winner design contest and Daniël Stork, Consul-General.

I grew up on the countryside of Beemster Polder, a green and low lying land area below sea level, which has similarities with the Mekong Delta. That’s why the tulip and Lotus flower, which I used in the logo, not only connects both countries, but also my both backgrounds – respectively Beemster and the Mekong Delta. I always feel like a child of both countries.

Now, after almost 50 years, I have created a visual identity for the Netherlands Embassy in Vietnam. It was meant to be, the circle is almost complete. In this 50 years of ties between the Netherlands and Vietnam – and in the Year of the Cat, my Vietnamese zodiac sign – it feels like this is the ultimate chance to find my biological relatives.

Arjen IJff in front of the tamarind tree — the only witness left, along the Mekong River in the city of Vĩnh Long.

Unfortunately the orphanage in Vĩnh Long was demolished after the war. A large square has replaced it. Only a tamarind tree, between the square and the Mekong River, reminds me of the orphanage, my ‘place of birth’. This tamarind tree has now a symbolic meaning for me: it is – so far – the only witness left of my early existence.

To be continued. Chúc mừng năm mới!

www.arjenijff.nl

instagram.com/ijffoto

www.arjenijff.nl

instagram.com/ijffoto

Crackdown on criminal network that robbed ATMs in Germany

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<strong>Crackdown on criminal network that robbed ATMs in Germany</strong>

The Hague, 2 February 2023

With the support of Eurojust, the German and Dutch authorities have taken action against an organised crime group (OCG) suspected of having blown up numerous Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) in Germany since 2021. In Bavaria alone, it concerned 31 explosions with a total haul of about EUR 3.4 million, causing damage estimated at approximately EUR 4 million. Nine suspects were arrested during a joint action day also supported by the Belgian authorities. They are in preliminary custody pending extradition. Fifteen places were searched in the Netherlands and one in Belgium.

The seizures included four kilos of explosives, which had already been prepared for further attacks in nine explosive packages, one rapid vehicle, which was used to commit the crimes, several phones, cash, tasers, gloves, crowbars, sledgehammers, navigation equipment, a digital radio scanner and valuables such as expensive watches and handbags.

In total, more than 270 members of the police and judiciary, as well as the Dutch defence explosives ordnance disposal service, were involved in the action day.

The perpetrators allegedly travelled from the Netherlands to the German states of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg to blast open teller machines. They used crowbars to open the doors and solid explosives to destroy the machines. After stealing the cash inside, they escaped in cars.

The OCG was highly organised, with a clear division of roles ranging from preparing explosives to dealing with logistics, driving or blowing up the ATMs at the locations. The OCG was able to steal up to EUR 250 000 per attack.

The case was opened at Eurojust by the German authorities in May 2022. Two coordination meetings were hosted by the Agency to facilitate judicial cooperation and the preparation of the joint action day.

The following authorities took part in this investigation:

·        Germany: Public Prosecution Office of Bamberg, State Criminal Police Office of Bavaria and State Criminal Police Office of Baden-Württemberg

·        The Netherlands: Public Prosecution Office Midden-Nederland, Specialized ATM Blastings Team of the Police Midden-Nederland (Dienst Regionale Recherche), Police Limburg

·        Belgium: Public Prosecution Office Limburg, investigative judge, Federal Judicial Police of Limburg, Local Police zone Maasland

The Arts Society The Hague Presents: ‘Troy: Myth, History & Archaeology’ by Steve Kershaw

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The Arts Society The Hague Presents: ‘Troy: Myth, History & Archaeology’ by Steve Kershaw

Come to The Arts Society The Hague in the Warenar theatre in Wassenaar or join us via Zoom from home for a very special lecture given by accredited speaker Steve Kershaw on ‘Troy: Myth, History and Archaeology’ on Tuesday 14th February 2023 at 20.00 hours.

THIS IS A ZOOM HYBRID LECTURE IN THE WARENAR CULTURAL CENTER (WASSENAAR)

We do hope that members and guests will take the opportunity to come to the Warenar.

As a Classics Tutor for Oxford University Department for Continuing Education, Professor of History of Art for the European Studies Program of Rhodes College and The University of the South, Steve has spent much of the last 30 years travelling extensively in the world of the Greeks and Romans both physically and intellectually. He has published A Brief Guide to the Greek Myths (Robinson, 2007) and A Brief Guide to Classical Civilization (Robinson, 2010) and is currently working on A Brief Guide to the Roman Empire. It has been said that there probably isn’t any place in all the stories ever told that is as famous as Troy.

This talk will focus on the mythology of the Trojan war, which gave rise to some of the finest Ancient Greek literature and art, and will then turn to the fascinating tale of the discovery and excavation of the “topless towers of Ilion” at the site of Hisarlık in Turkey by Heinrich Schliemann and others.

Using slides and video we will explore some splendid archaeological finds, such as the ‘Jewels of Helen’, and finally, via encounters with Greeks, Trojans, Hittites and others, we will turn to the burning issue of whether Homer’s Trojan War really happened.

Join us for what will certainly be a very entertaining and informative event that will shed new light on a story that has captivated the world for millennia.

To register for the online lecture go to https://theartssociety.org/the-hague

Please note that you have to register before Monday February 13, 2023. The lecture starts on Tuesday 14 February at 20.00 pm.

Fee (non-members): € 13,-. A membership (8 lectures and other activities) is € 65,- per year and € 120,- for a couple. A half-year membership (4 lectures and other activities) is € 32,50 per year and € 60,- for a couple

Renewal SPO commitment to prosecute witness intimidation

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Renewal SPO commitment <strong>to prosecute witness intimidation</strong>

Acting Specialist Prosecutor Alex Whiting welcomed today’s judgement in the appeal of Hysni Gucati and Nasim Haradinaj, and made clear that the Specialist Prosecutor’s Office would continue to prosecute all cases of witness intimidation, retaliation against witnesses and obstruction of justice.

“I welcome today’s judgement from the Specialist Chambers Appeals Panel, which reinforces the rule of law in Kosovo and sends a clear message to anyone involved in witness intimidation, retaliation against witnesses and obstruction of justice,” the Acting Specialist Prosecutor said.

“The SPO takes these crimes extremely seriously and will continue to investigate and to prosecute anyone and everyone involved in every instance.

“This case has been about the conditions required for the fair administration of justice and what is needed to make the rule of law a reality,” Mr Whiting continued. “Witnesses must be able to testify without fear of retaliation or retribution.”

Special representatives of the Central Asian countries and the EU focus on Afghanistan

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<strong>Special representatives of the Central Asian countries and the EU focus on Afghanistan</strong>

Friday, 20 January 2023, Brussels, European External Action Service: The third meeting of the special representatives of the Central Asian countries and the European Union on Afghanistan took place in the framework of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the European Union and the Central Asian states of Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. 

The agenda of the event included a review of regional security challenges in the context of the current situation in Afghanistan as well as the collaboration between the parties to provide assistance to the Afghan people directly. 

The meeting participants noted the increasing role of the Central Asian countries in establishing long-term stability in Afghanistan, and the effective provision of international humanitarian assistance for the Afghan populace. 

HRH The Countess of Wessex visits International Criminal Court

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HRH The Countess of Wessex visits International Criminal Court

​On 2 February 2023, Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, visited the International Criminal Court (ICC), where she was received by the President of the Court, Judge Piotr Hofmański, as well as the Prosecutor, Karim A.A. Khan KC, the Deputy Prosecutors, Nazhat Shameem Khan and Mame Mandiaye Niang, the Registrar, Peter Lewis, and the Acting Executive Director of the Trust Fund for Victims, Franziska Eckelmans.

Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, visited the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Judge Piotr Hofmański thanked The Countess for her visit to the Court and stated: “The support of the international community is of crucial importance for the ability of the International Criminal Court to carry out its vital mandate of justice and accountability.”  

Issues discussed with The Countess included the work of the Court and of the Trust Fund for Victims, particularly in relation to sexual and gender based violence, the restorative aspect of ICC’s work in the form of reparations to victims, outreach, awareness raising, as well as the protection of victims and witnesses, amongst others. The Countess also had a guided visit of the ICC Courtroom with ICC Judge Joanna Korner.

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