Escaping Prison of the Past to Architecture the Future

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Escaping Prison of the Past to Architecture the Future

By Pia Poppenreiter

“We need principles and values as most issues can only be solved together as a global society!” were the strong opening words of Prime Minister Dritan Abazović, last month in Château d’Aïre, where the lecture series at the Swiss University special Executive Program, concepted and moderated by prof. Anis, continued.

Under the label “Future Leaders”, some 30 plus people from all over the world gathered and had the great honour of welcoming H.E. Prime Minister Abazović from Montenegro in the role of a lecturer at a beautiful castle built centuries ago, with Mount Everest right in front of their eyes. All came to broaden their horizon in politics and international affairs from the serving top executives. 

Many significant matters were discussed throughout the day, with an emphasis on environmental issues and their protection and preservation, as well as positive peace and unity on a local, continental, and global level, something PM Abazović also recently addressed at the UN General Assembly in New York. With the Balkan area having witnessed violence in the form of war not too long ago, but having found peace, they have many lessons to share on how to accomplish precisely that in other parts of the world.

Art helps to bend things, which most people see as a straight line

“We cannot change the past; we can only change the future!” was the PM’s direct appeal to the students: to let go of the old, work on reconciliation and co-create the new. He acknowledges technology and entrepreneurship as positive driving forces for the prosperity of Montenegro and the people living there. The Balkan area in general, is continuously and relentlessly working on maintaining peace and finding further unity in the region, so as to pave the way for their EU membership. 

Apart from Montenegro’s primary income source, which is tourism (miles-long beautiful sand beaches with more than 200 days of sunny weather), the country is taking preservation of its natural habitat seriously. The fact that environmental protection is written into the Constitution already highlights the country as forward-thinking, ready to integrate sustainability into its state’s agenda. 

A snapshot of Montenegro’s Constitution: Putting protection of the environment at the center

In terms of energy policy, Montenegro is betting its future on renewable energy, especially solar and wind, so as to be as energy independent as possible. It strives to do in a non-bureaucratic manner, ways to produce and consume one’s energy, while installing the respective devices to do so. But of course, none of these environmental issues matter in the face of the outbreak of another bigger war, which was mentioned in the context of Montenegro’s membership with NATO. 

It is indeed a scary thought: None of this matters if a country decides to start escalating the ‘words of war’ into the maximum detrimental level – for example, by deploying nuclear weapons or similar ones with a potential for mass destruction, in their war game; leaving  others to choose to respond in a similarly devastating manner. The more mass destruction weapons are produced, the more likely they will be deployed one day in the future. It’s not a conspiracy theory, it is simple math in the form of a probability calculation.

The key question is: Who really wants the continuity of war? And why? 

Instead of world peace, unfortunately, we are heading in the opposite direction. In 2021, global military spending reached $2.1 trillion, rising for the seventh year in a row. 

On the contrary, according to the UN’s 2021 Annual report, the Universal Organisation operates with a budget of some $7.5 billion (per annum) to maintain the International peace and security (which is its core mandate), out of which some $30 million for disarmament – to celebrate, spread and maintain the spirit of peace on a global scale.

This imbalance of resources allocation directed to war instead of peace is highly disturbing. 

Maybe this is the conversation that shall be held in the circles of diplomacy and peacekeeping: to find a better balance between defense and military budget spending of nation-states in contrast to investments in peacekeeping initiatives, which the author assumes is far more desirable by humanity at large. 

A sad reality of war on Earth

Countries currently at war 2022

If world peace is and was the noble, original goal, the status quo is quite upsetting. Now is the time to rethink and re-debate what peace means for us on a local, continental and even, first and foremost a global level. Looking at the number of countries where there is some sort of war, it is valid to ask: 

Do we need a new, true Peace Treaty on a global scale? 

As PM Abazović put it at the end of the day, “War is not the solution … Positive peace is!” at least the author finds that one more peace treaty would do no harm either.

Despite all difficulties we are currently facing as a global society, the day was closed on a happy note by celebrating PM Abazović academic achievements; by the way, he had the chance to study at various prestigious institutions around the world and holds a Ph.D. from the University of Sarajevo for his work titled “Global Politics – Ethical Aspects of Globalization” and a master degree in political philosophy from the University of Montenegro. He also authored two books titled “Cosmopolitan Culture & Global Justice” and “Critique of Global Ethics.” 

For his accomplishments and writings, especially for advancing the rule of law and promoting peace and stability, Prime Minister Abazović was awarded an doctor honoris causa. Within this Executive program, fellows participants are addressed by the current and former heads of state or government, Nobel prize laureates, and key influencers in the world of politics, economy, security, and energy. 

About the author:

Pia Poppenreiter

Pia Poppenreiter is a thinker, entrepreneur, speaker, opinion maker and the stereotypes killer.

ICC Appeals Chamber confirms sentencing decisions

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ICC Appeals Chamber confirms sentencing decisions

Ongwen case: ICC Appeals Chamber confirms the conviction and sentencing decisions

Today, 15 December 2022, the Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Court delivered its judgments, in which it confirmed the decisions of Trial Chamber IX on Dominic Ongwen’s guilt and sentence. In those decisions, the Trial Chamber had found Dominic Ongwen guilty of 61 crimes comprising crimes against humanity and war crimes, committed in Northern Uganda between 1 July 2002 and 31 December 2005, and sentenced him to 25 years of imprisonment.

The Appeals Chamber in these appeals is composed of Judge Luz del Carmen Ibáñez Carranza (presiding), Judge Piotr Hofmański, Judge Solomy Balungi Bossa, Judge Reine Alapini-Gansou and Judge Gocha Lordkipanidze.

The Presiding Judge in this appeal, Judge Ibáñez Carranza, read out summaries of the two judgments in an open hearing in the presence of Mr Ongwen. She highlighted the complexity of the issues raised in this case, some of which are addressed for the first time before the ICC, including the assessment of grounds for excluding criminal responsibility and the interpretation of certain sexual and gender-based crimes.

She also pointed out that this case concerns an accused person who was abducted by the Lord’s Resistance Army (“LRA”) at the age of nine years, trained and integrated as a fighter into the LRA ranks, and that his abduction as a young child and his early years spent in the adverse and extremely violent environment of the LRA brought to him great suffering.

The judges of the ICC Appeals Chamber during the delivery of the appeals judgments on the conviction and sentence in the Ongwen case on 15 December 2022 ©ICC-CPI

In the context of the appeal against Mr Ongwen’s conviction, the Appeals Chamber addressed and rejected the 90 grounds of appeal raised by the Defence. It rejected in this regard the Defence’s allegation of violations to Mr Ongwen’s right to a fair trial and other human rights, as well as its challenges to the Trial Chamber’s findings on Mr Ongwen’s individual criminal responsibility as an indirect perpetrator and as an indirect co-perpetrator, setting out in this regard the parameters of these modes of liability.

In addition, the Appeals Chamber confirmed the Trial Chamber’s interpretation and factual findings concerning sexual and gender-based crimes, including the crime of forced marriage as a form of other inhumane acts and the crime of forced pregnancy. The Appeals Chamber further confirmed the cumulative convictions entered by the Trial Chamber, noting that each provision which has a “materially distinct” element protects different legal interests.

The Appeals Chamber also examined the Trial Chamber’s findings on grounds for excluding criminal responsibility and concluded that the Defence has not demonstrated any error in relation to the Trial Chamber’s findings rejecting the grounds for excluding criminal responsibility by way of mental disease or duress. In relation to the former, the Appeals Chamber confirmed the Trial Chamber’s findings based on the expert opinions of mental health professionals.

The Appeals Chamber confirmed, unanimously, the conviction in this case.

National Day Celebration of The Republic of Romania 2022

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National Day Celebration of The Republic of Romania 2022

By Roy Lie Atjam

On November 29, 2022, the Embassy of Romania The Hague organized a reception dedicated to the National Day of Romania or Great Union Day. The event was at the Photo Museum Den Haag and was attended by Dutch officials, the business community, Diplomats and the Romania diaspora.

H.E. Ambassador Lucian Fătu addressed his guests in Dutch and English.

“ We are together again, after two years of health restrictions that have proven direct interaction to be even more valuable than we thought before.  But this is not, unfortunately, the only, or even the most significant change in our professional and personal lives.  On this National Day, Romanians think back to the day, December 1st 1918, when our modern state was created thru the will of the people.  But today is not about festivism, but about coming together to face common threats to peace, freedom and the fundamental right to life.

Russia’s illegal, unjustified and unprovoked aggression against neighboring Ukraine came as a blow to some of us, as the inexorable end of a fuse to a bomb others were aware of, and as a rallying cry to all of us.  Romania responded firmly and multi-dimensionally in support of Ukraine and its citizens, including thru politico-diplomatic, economic, financial, humanitarian and sectoral efforts.  We stand in solidarity and active support to the Republic of Moldova, one of the worst-hit regional collateral victims of this conflict, by proportional size.

These days are very intense for the Romanian diplomacy.  As we speak, the Foreign Ministers of the NATO countries meet in Bucharest.  For the first time, advanced NATO candidates Finland and Sweden are present as guests.  Special sessions will be attended by Foreign Ministers of Ukraine, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia and Republic of Moldova.  A G7 meeting is hosted in the margins of the NATO Ministerial.  At the same time, high representatives of the Munich Security Conference convene in Bucharest in preparation of this forum’s meeting next February, one year after the start of the Russian invasion.

Let us take a moment and remember, every day, that the only rights we have are those we are ready to defend at all costs.  And we all know that The Hague, city of justice and peace, is one of the focal points where the international community comes together under the flags of the institutions serving these goals, and it is for all of us, with or without diplomatic passports, to come together, look around and think ahead.

To close, let me recognize tonight the human dimension of the Romanian-Netherlands relations, inspired by common values and aspirations and creating the bedrock of our multi-faceted sectoral cooperation.  Each and everyone of the Romanian professionals, students and academics living here for longer or shorter periods of time, each of the many Romanian tourists who visit this country feels connected to the Dutch society and proud to be recognized as EU citizen sharing equal rights and obligations under our common European identity.

I would like to end these brief remarks in the words of one of the pillars of Romanian diplomacy, Nicolae Titulescu, the only twice elected President of the League of Nations: “Europe is no longer a collection of states. It is a state divided into separate parts through administrative measures embodied by frontiers.”  The year was 1922.

Please join me in a toast to peace, freedom and diversity, in honor of Romania, the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the countries here represented! “

The United Arab Emirates 51st National Day

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The United Arab Emirates 51st National Day

By Roy Lie Atjam

The United Arab Emirates Ambassador in the Netherlands, H.E. Jamal Jama Al Musharakh, organised a reception on  28th December 2022 to celebrate the 51st  National Day of his country.

Many Ambassadors, business relations and friends of UAE came to felicitate Ambassador Jamal Jama Al Musharakh, who delivered the following welcome remarks.

“During the past five decades, our nation has continued to reflect the timeless vision of our founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

H.E. Jamal Jama Al Musharakh, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates.

This has culminated in various milestones, such as:

Bringing the world together at the world EXPO in Dubai, as we collectively confronted the COVID 19 pandemic. Once again, we will welcome the world in the UAE, at COP28 in EXPO city Dubai, during our national day next year. This embodies the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in promoting sustainable development and environmental protection, and our nation’s determination to collectively tackle global challenges such as climate change.

The first visit of the Pope to the Arabian Peninsula in 2019, was in line with our policy to further promote tolerance and coexistence, not only between the over ‘200’ nationalities living in harmony, in our inclusive society, but also worldwide. And the Abraham Accords a year later demonstrated the significance of looking past differences, and building upon similarities.

Our ambitions have even gone as far space, with our various space missions aimed at developing partnerships and investing in research and development.

We believe that peace and prosperity go hand in hand and, thus, the UAE under the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan President of the United Arab Emirates, will continue to build bridges, promote dialogue and de-escalation, and foster stronger economic ties.

We also celebrate our 50 year anniversary of diplomatic relations with The Netherlands this year, and will continue to work together toward strengthening our partnership on topics of mutual interest such as climate change and sustainability, our joint economic endeavors through setting up a joint economic committee, and the promotion dialogue and diplomacy.”

Mr. Marc Gerritsen, Director of the Middle East and North Africa Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs during his impressive speech in Arabic, UAE National Day.

The next speaker was Mr. Marc Gerritsen, Director of the Middle East and North Africa Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Gerritsen spoke in Arabic and English, which was appreciated by the Arabic-speaking attendees. It was impressive.

The cultural part of the evening was Emirati traditional songs and dances performance by the renowned folk group “Almazyood Alharbia Band”.

Bosco Ntaganda transferred to a Belgian prison

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Bosco Ntaganda transferred to a Belgian prison

Today, 14 December 2022, Mr Bosco Ntaganda was transferred and arrived to the Kingdom of Belgium to serve his sentence of imprisonment at the Leuze-en-Hainaut prison. 

The International Criminal Court relies on the support from States for the enforcement of its sentences and is highly appreciative of the voluntary cooperation of the Belgian Government in this case.

Mr Ntaganda was sentenced to a total of 30 years of imprisonment. Persons convicted by the ICC serve their sentence in a State designated by the Court from a list of States which have indicated their willingness to allow convicted persons to serve their sentence. In the present case, the transfer of Mr Ntaganda was implemented pursuant to article 103 of the Rome Statute, the Court’s founding treaty, and the Agreement between the International Criminal Court and the Government of the Kingdom of Belgium on the Enforcement of Sentences of the International Criminal Court.

Assembly of States Parties concludes its twenty-first session

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Assembly of States Parties concludes its twenty-first session

The Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court held its twenty-first session from 5 to 9 December 2022 at the World Forum Convention Center in The Hague. The Assembly was attended by States Parties, Observer States, international and regional organizations as well as non- governmental organizations.

The session was chaired by the President of the Assembly, H.E. Ms. Silvia Fernández de Gurmendi. In closing the session, the President stated: “I trust that we will be able to carry forward the mandates contained in the resolutions which we have adopted today. I wish to sincerely thank all States Parties, members of civil society, Observer States, and of course the Court, for their support and cooperation, without which we would not have been able to successfully conclude our work.”

The Assembly elected seven members of the Committee on Budget and Finance. Five members were elected for a three-year term starting on 1 January 2023: Mr. Urmet Lee (Estonia), Mr. Daniel McDonnell (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland), Mr. Klaus Stein (Germany), Mr. Pascual Tomás Hernández (Spain), and Ms. Ana Patricia Villalobos Arrieta (Costa Rica). Ms. Jasleen Chaona Chirembo (Malawi) and Mr. Sahr Lahai Jusu (Sierra Leone) were elected to share the seat allocated to the African group, serving one year and a half term each. In addition, the Assembly adopted a decision on the allocation of seats on the Committee on Budget and Finance.

The Assembly held its General debate, enriched by the participation of ministers, international organizations and representatives of non-governmental organizations. The Assembly held two thematic plenary sessions: one on cooperation and one on the Review of the International Criminal Court and the Rome Statute system. Numerous side events were held during the session.

The Assembly adopted five resolutions by consensus on: the programme budget for 2023, cooperation, the Review of the International Criminal Court and the Rome Statute system, the strengthening the International Criminal Court and the Assembly of States Parties and on amendments to rule 140 of the Rules of Procedure and Evidence. The Assembly also adopted a recommendation on the Election of the Registrar, which is submitted for consideration of the judges who will elect the Registrar in the first trimester of 2023.

The Assembly adopted the 2023 programme budget of the Court totalling €169,649,200 and a staffing level of 970.

At its closing plenary session, the President, on behalf of the Assembly, expressed the deep appreciation for the outstanding contribution of the Registrar, Mr. Peter Lewis, to the Rome Statute system and in particular for his exemplary steering of the Registry during the five years he has held the post.

The twenty-second session of the Assembly will be held from 4 to 14 December 2023 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

The Hague: Filipino Nigthingales in Concert

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The Hague: Filipino Nigthingales in Concert

By Roy Lie Atjam

December 1st 2022. The Embassy of the Philippinnes presented the Nightingale concert to the Diplomatic community and friends. It has been an indelible evening with the Nightingales.

Filipinos are known for their contribution to international law, their polyvalency, and  their musicality.

The Nightingale’ Himig ng Pasko Christmas concert at the Kalayaan Hall Embassy of the Philippines The Hague on 1 December 2022 was a delight, it lifted ones spirit.

The Nightingale duo, Bernadette Mamauag and Katrina Marie Sagad.

Their repertoire included opera, Broadway classics, folksongs and popular melodies, all presented fantastically. Notably the glorious rendition of Granada. The Nightingale’ Himig ng Pasko Christmas concert has been a radiant success, a demonstration of Filipino culture.

In his remarks at the Embassy’s Kalayaan Hall, H.E. Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya said, “tonight’s Himig ng Pasko, A Christmas Concert, is our way of saying thank you for your support, kind understanding, and for being part of our collective work this year 2022. We hope that through the wonderful music of the Nightingales, we can help spread the joys and cheers of the Yuletide season and convey our heartfelt appreciation.” The Kalayaan Hall was decorated with colorful Parol Christmas lanterns for the occasion.

The Nightingales’ Ms. Bernadette Mamauag and Ms. Katrina Saga, Embassy of the Philippines, The Hague.

The Nightingales stunned the crowd with their operatic opener “Pie Jesu” (Holy Jesus). It was followed by equally appreciated renditions of “Granada,” “Habanera,” “Hymne a l’amour” (The Hymn to Love) “Flight of the Bumblebee” and “Yannis Aria,” which comprised their first set of songs. These were followed by the contemporary songs “I Know Him So Well,” “Runaway” and “Someone Like You, and Christmas classic “Oh Holy Night,” “It’s the Most Wonderful Time,” “Stille Nacht,”“Kumukutikutitap” (Flickering) and “Payapang Daigdig” (Peaceful World).

In a surprise number, Ambassador Malaya took to the piano and accompanied the Nightingales’ in singing “Pasko Na Sinta Ko” (It’s Christmas my dear).

Filipino-Dutch artist Ms. Sarah Jane Verouden also provided a piano intermezzo of traditional Christmas carols.

Ms. Bernadette Mamauag, Embassy of the Philippines in the Hague.

Thai Ambassador Chatri Archjananun and his spouse Mme. Nataya said that the concert was a “fascinating performance which showcased the excellent performance of Philippine artists.” “It is indeed a great way to start the Christmas celebration. I also felt the very warm hospitality of the Embassy officers and staff,” the Ambassador added. 

“It was a lovely concert in a nicely renovated Embassy Chancery,” remarked Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Managing Director of the Common Fund for Commodities. 

Fr. Sjaak de Boer delivered a Christmas message underscoring the importance of “taking care of our shared earth and fellowmen and women which is not only measured in material gain but of people’s happiness.”

Ms. Sarah Jane Verouden

The event was capped off by the community singing of the popular Christmas song “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” 

The event was in collaboration with the Music for Environment and National Development (MEND) and the Philippines-Netherlands Business Council. 

Well-attended by members of the diplomatic corps and other key officials from The Netherlands’ Government and other international organizations based in The Hague, the event was the Embassy’s way of conveying thanks and appreciation to those who extended support to its initiatives and programs for the year 2022.

Diplomat Friendship Chess Tournament  Edition 2022

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Diplomat Friendship Chess Tournament  Edition 2022

By Roy Lie Atjam

The Hague, on 19 November 2022, Dr Mayelinne De Lara of Diplomat Magazine welcomed the players from the diplomatic community, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and international organizations in the Netherlands to participate in the 2022 Chess Tournament aiming to consolidate friendship and strengthen the solidarity among Diplomats.

Ambassador Adia Sakiqi of the Republic of Albania, Dean of the diplomatic Corps, graced the tournament with her presence.

II Diplomats Chess Tournament.

The friendly tournament also attracted children as young as eight, Victor, Max, Philip and Aiko, a very hearting phenomenon.

Furthermore, the event listed players from Albania, Cuba, El Salvador, Russia, Senegal, Ukraine and the Netherlands.

After a series of matches during which the players made their best tactical moves, Stan Cortenbach of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who is  affiliated with the Chess Club Docendo Discimus, emerged as the winner.

Victor Perez, Stan Cortenbach, Victor Saburov, Philip Kriger, Henry Pierre Sarr and Max Saburov winners of the III Diplomats Chess Tournament.

It has been really fun, players enjoyed the networking opportunity. In the end, the winners were given a trophy as a souvenir of the tournament.

Diplomat Magazine is looking forward to welcoming another inclusive and diverse group of participants next year, notably the younger ones.

Prosecutor Brammertz’s address to the UN Security Council

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Prosecutor Brammertz’s address to the UN Security Council

Arusha, The Hague, 12 December 2022– Serge Brammertz, Prosecutor of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (Mechanism), today addressed the United Nations Security Council about the work of the Office of the Prosecutor (OTP).

He began by updating the Security Council on progress in the prosecution of the final trial and appeals before the Mechanism. Prosecutor Brammertz noted the swift progress in the presentation of the Prosecution’s evidence in the Kabuga trial. He announced that subject to further developments, the Prosecution anticipates that it will complete the presentation of its evidence in the 2nd quarter of 2023, while the appeal hearing in the Stanišić and Simatović  case is scheduled for the end of January 2023.

The Prosecutor also briefed the Security Council about the appeal judgment in the Fatuma et al. case. He expressed his satisfaction that Augustin Ngirabatware’s attempt to influence witnesses in order to overturn his genocide convictions was detected and halted. He noted, “We trust that by prosecuting these crimes now, we deter others from similar attempts in the future.”

Turning to the search for the remaining fugitives indicted by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), Prosecutor Brammertz updated the Security Council that cooperation with South Africa is now moving in a positive direction. He further recognized the continued support of the Government of Rwanda.

The Prosecutor further drew the Security Council’s attention to the more than 1,000 fugitives wanted by Rwandan authorities for crimes committed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. He explained that while tracking the four remaining ICTR fugitives, the OTP has been uncovering some of these other fugitives in countries around the world. He said that “to escape justice, they lied about their pasts and abused the refugee process,” and that “in their new homes, many continue to promote genocide ideology.” Prosecutor Brammertz called upon the international community to assist Rwanda to account for all fugitives suspected of genocide.

With respect to national prosecutions of crimes committed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and the conflicts in the former Yugoslavia, Prosecutor Brammertz reminded the Security Council that there are still thousands of cases that need to be completed in national courts. He explained that national prosecutors continue to request critical assistance from the OTP, and that this trend will continue for a number of years to come.

Regarding the former Yugoslavia, the Prosecutor highlighted that “the most significant issue remains regional judicial cooperation,” which is “essential because today, the victims and the perpetrators often live in different countries.” He noted that while there are positive developments in cooperation between Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia, “prosecutors in the region report that they are not receiving the cooperation they need from Croatia in cases involving Croatian suspects.”

Prosecutor Brammertz explained that Croatian authorities had informed him that the investigation and prosecution of their nationals is a national security issue. “This stance,” he said, “turns justice into a political matter, when it should only be about an impartial judicial assessment of the evidence and the law.” He noted, “Prior to joining the European Union, Croatia was at the forefront of promoting justice and effective regional judicial cooperation. Regrettably, it is no longer playing that role.” The Prosecutor committed to continue engaging with Croatian authorities.

The Prosecutor reported once again on the continuing denial of war crimes and glorification of convicted war criminals in the countries of the former Yugoslavia. In all countries, the senior political leaders call into question the facts of the crimes committed, praise convicted war criminals and create an atmosphere of denial and glorification.

He said, “These are not the words and acts of the margins, but of the political and cultural centres of the region’s societies.” Prosecutor Brammertz called upon all officials and public figures in the region to act responsibly.

In conclusion, Prosecutor Brammertz expressed the OTP’s gratitude for the support of the Security Council.

Diplomats II Chess Tournament

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Diplomats II Chess Tournament

By August Zeidman

Benjamin Franklin, the renowned scientist and Founding Father of the United States of America, once said of the sport of chess: “The game of chess is not merely an idle amusement. Several very valuable qualities of the mind, useful in the course of human life, are to be acquired or strengthened by it… Life is a kind of chess, in which we have often points to gain, and competitors or adversaries to contend with.”

Considering this wise observation, and the many other frequent invocations of chess as a metaphor for diplomacy or politics, it is no surprise that many diplomats are incredibly skilled at the Game of Kings. On Saturday, November 19, Diplomat Magazine, with the generous cooperation of the Leonardo Royal Hotel in The Hague opened the opportunity for members of the diplomatic community to not only display their skills, but to play some extremely engaging games with their colleagues. This was the second edition of the Diplomat Magazine Chess Tournament, first organized last autumn, and quickly establishing itself as a popular event!

Stan Cortenbach, Policy officer DVB/Security Policy Division from Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs won the first place of the II Diplomats Chess Tournament.

Not only did the diplomatic crowd show up, but some attendees brought their children, allowing for the organizing of a miniature kids’ tournament for those who showed up and wanted to exercise or expand their burgeoning skills.

Diplomats (and families) from (but not limited to) Belgium, Senegal, Ukraine, Cuba, and the Netherlands showed up for the relaxed atmosphere of logic and mental competition. Everybody offered each other casual games and enjoyed the light attitude, where the emphasis was placed more on everybody exercising and practicing their skills; playing for the enjoyment of the game.

II Diplomats Chess Tournament in The Hague.

All guests not only enjoyed a multitude of games, but a great number of hot coffee and tea mugs were drunk, as well as a light lunch provided by the Leonardo Hotel; the weather was cold and dreary, and this event provided a fantastic opportunity to not only enjoy the company of colleagues, but to escape the fast-approaching cold with some indoor recreation.

II Diplomats Chess Tournament.

Several trophies were given to the most skilled child and adult players who attended the tournament. With such a success in this second edition, Diplomat Magazine is looking forward to hosting the next edition of this great event next spring and autumn!

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