Burundi Celebrating 60 Years of Independence 

Diplomat Magazine
-
0
Burundi Celebrating 60 Years of Independence 

By Roy Lie Atjam

Wassenaar, 9 July 2022. In celebration of the 60th anniversary of the independence of Burundi, H.E. Ambassador Gamaliel Nkurunziza invited  ambassadors, chief of missions, Burundians and friends of Burundi to a garden party reception that brought together hundreds of persons.

Noticeable was a recorded voice message by the 92 years old Madam Rene Irampa, une ancienne combattante, who graced the celebration. In her message Madam Irampa thanked the Embassy for organizing the event and stated, as a combatant she would have loved to participate in the celebration. Rene Irampa briefly touched on the Burundian independence process and urged her compatriots to safeguard the values of independence and honour those who fought for it.

A festive atmosphere set the tone for a vibrant independence day celebration. It has been a delight to see Burundians and friends having a great time. Here is a synopsis of the remarks by Ambassador Gamaliel Nkurunziza.

“It is my honour, on behalf of the Government of Burundi, to address you on the celebration of the 60th anniversary of our Independence. Before I go on with my speech, I would like to invite you to sing together the National Anthem of Burundi which was sung the day of our Independence.

At first, I would like to thank the Ambassadors of South Africa, Rwanda, Argentina, Cameroon, Morocco, the representatives of the diplomatic missions of Tanzania,  Kenya as well as the friends of Burundi for having responded to our invitation and accompanying the Burundians to the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Independence of Burundi.

This is a special and great day for Burundians. As we have listened to the song of our Independence, we must take the lyrics of our National Anthem as guidance because it is full of inspiration and teachings. It reflects the image of our country.

Burundians must therefore take the lyrics of our national anthem to heart, and put into practice in everything they do, in everything they say, and in their behaviour such as the wish to “be respected at the international level” which is contained in the national anthem. Consequently, the Nation will respect Burundi because “A Man is respected as he is”.  “to have a significant place in the realm of the concert of the nations” (Shinga icumu mu mashinga) which is a patriotic value and behaviour characterizing someone who is independent especially Burundian.

According to the Speech of the Hero of Independence, we are all invited to evaluate our progress through our reflection of different values such as: patriotism, integrity, unity, humanity. True Burundians are known by these values.

Today is an important day for our country and for Burundians living here in the Netherlands. This is time to make up our mind because this day we celebrate our Independence Day is a good opportunity to take a look on were we come from and where we are going especially in following steps for people who guided us in the process of fighting for our independence “The Prince Rudoviko Rwagasore” who sacrificed his life so that Burundian can be independent, his will always be our hero. 

I therefore invite every Burundian who resides in the Kingdom of the Netherlands to come and work together. Nothing should separate us. I noticed all Burundians in their differences are here to celebrate our Independence Day.

As promised, I encourage everyone willing to support our independence, especially in the angle of developing our country, to feel free and join me as your servant.

As Burundians, we need to be proud of our country because we are going to have a better future.  In order to strengthen that love, I would like to emphasize on the speech of our President H.E Evariste Ndayishimiye, which he delivered on the eve of the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the independence of Burundi, we are commemorating today.  

In the speech  our President, called on all of us and our different backgrounds to be united in order to contribute to the development of our country Burundi. 

Leta Mvyeyi, Leta Nkozi has given a strong signal that when we are united, we become stronger. It is time we turned the page of our history because our differences are our strengths to build our country. Our President, his Excellency Evariste Ndayishimiye, has become the chief Commander of our country Development and urged us to follow his commandment. 

As Ambassador of Burundi, I strongly call on every Burundian to contribute to our country’s development. I also urge you to stop slandering your country. Because no matter what, Burundi will always remain your country, you will never get another one. You can obtain as many citizenships as you like, but Burundi will always be your first country and will always welcome you back as a mother does.

I therefore invite all of you to be ambassadors of Burundi where you live, in your neighbours, your friends and make them know that Burundi is a country full of opportunities and potentialities. Make them interested in your country. 

As Ambassador, I will serve as a bridge so that your wishes and projects can be achieved in the way of contributing to the development of Burundi and Burundians.  

It is true that I am one Ambassador, but I am unable to reach all friends of Burundi as the ones you are neighbouring with or who you brought here.

In a recent past, some Burundians tried to destroy the image of Burundi, this is against our values.

Burundians celebrating 60 Years of Independence at the residence of ambassador Nkurunziza.

His Excellency the President has asked us to be watching the time, Burundians  must change, times have changed. Our country underwent difficulties for decennia, but those difficulties taught us. Now our country, Leta mvyeyi, Leta Nkozi in front of us invites us to achieve projects that every Burundian will benefit from, everything will come from us.

I am an Ambassador at a leading position and you are also ambassadors at your levels. We are called to promote the image of our country, and this will lead to the true development of our country.

Let us build Burundi for the future of our children and generations to come. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all Burundians living in the Netherlands the ones who were able to get here today also the one who could not be here because of others obligations for being united like I found them, I hope that the spirit of unity, integrity and humanity you showed me will always be the motto of Burundian community in the Netherlands and that is what has always characterized Burundians. Since my arrival in the Netherlands, whenever I needed you, you responded positively and massively.

This shows me that tomorrow is bright and that the future holds many good surprises for us. I thank you so much for your sacrifice. Let us remain united, let us contribute to the promotion of the image of our country and most importantly, let us focus on the development of Burundi. Enjoy this celebration of our 60th Independence Day.

May God Bless you all.” end quote.

For sure,  it has been an unforgettable independence day celebration.

VII Annual Diplomatic Cycling Tour

Diplomat Magazine
-
0
VII Annual Diplomatic Cycling Tour

By Roy Lie Atjam

The 7th  Diplomats Biking Ride departed from  Leonardo Royal Hotel for a tour through and outside the city of The Hague on Saturday 2 July 2022.   The objectives of the ride are to promote inclusion and to provide a networking opportunity, all while having fun and exploring The Hague’s historical and touristic environment.  

The group of participants in the smooth 15 Km route was made up of cyclists of all ages, first-time riders as well as veteran riders. Participating  Ambassadors, diplomats and invitees were from Costa Rica, Germany, Mexico, Philippines, Romania, Venezuela, Rwanda, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Russia, Thailand, Vietnam, Peru, IOM, ESA, ICJ and International organisations.    

VII Diplomats Biking Tour July 2, 2022.

The biking caravan traveled in the direction of De Vliet -Leidschendam. With stops  at interesting sights such as Palace  Huis ten Bosch and second world war sites in the Haagsche Bosch.   The biking caravan traveled in the direction of De Vliet Leidschendam. Along the way, stops were made at interesting sights such as Palace  Huis ten Bosch , second world war sites in the Haagsche Bosch. After the cycling tour, participants went to lunch at the Westbroekpark.

Diplomat magazine highly appreciates the participation of all those who have contributed to yet another successful cycling event.

VII Diplomats Biking Tour July 2, 2022.

President Mirziyoyev statement after events in the Republic of KarakalpakstanïżŒïżŒ

Diplomat Magazine
-
0
President Mirziyoyev statement after events in the Republic of KarakalpakstanïżŒïżŒ

After the alarming events in the Republic of Karakalpakstan, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev issued a statement to the Deputies of Jokary Kenes. Here below a reproduction of his speech.

“Dear Compatriots and Deputies of Jokary Kenes!

Today, I appeal to all those who are not indifferent to the fate and future of our dear Motherland; peace and stability in our precious land.

The alarming events that took place in the Republic of Karakalpakstan has caused pain in the heart of every one of us, for all citizens of Uzbekistan.

As you well know, these days are important for the continuation of the political process in our country – the national discussion of amendments and additions to the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The constitutional reform was initiated to further the country’s socio-political and socio-economic development, ensuring citizens’ rights and freedoms, and implementing the noble idea – « The human interests are above all!»

Despite the creation of conditions for the free expression of will and opinions of citizens based on democratic principles and legal norms, under the pretext of disagreement with the constitutional reforms, the certain forces, for their own selfish purposes, are trying to destabilize the situation in Uzbekistan, choosing the path of aggression and violence.

The destructive forces, using proven technologies of spreading a fake information and opportunities of social networks, purposefully involve citizens in unconstitutional activities.

Their main goal is to split society, reduce trust in the state’s creative policy and damage Uzbekistan’s territorial integrity.

As previously reported, on July 1, 2022, in Nukus, under cover of populist slogans, manipulating the consciousness and trust of citizens, a group of people, contrary to the legitimate demands of the authorities, organized unrest and attempted to seize the buildings of the local government.

On July 2, 2022, despite demands to stop disturbing public order, these persons continued their destructive actions in the main streets of the administrative center of the Republic.

Moreover, some participants in the events tried to provoke clashes with law enforcement officers, force their way into the guarded areas, and pelt the buildings with stones and other objects.

As they moved through the streets, rioters have inflicted significant damage to the infrastructure, breaking windows and setting fire to buildings. In order to seize weapons, several groups attempted to storm the buildings of the Nukus Department of Internal Affairs and the National Guard Department.

Taking advantage of their relative numerical superiority, they have attacked law enforcement officers, beating them with particular cruelty and inflicting severe bodily injuries.

Unfortunately, there were casualties among civilians and law enforcement officers.

In order to ensure the safety of citizens, to protect their rights and freedoms, and restore the rule of law, in accordance with the Constitution and the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan «On the State of Emergency», I have signed a decree on introducing a state of emergency on the territory of the Republic of Karakalpakstan from July 3 to August 2, 2022.

I hope that during the implementation of this Decree, the multi-ethnic people of Karakalpakstan will mobilize all their strength and capabilities, and unite for the sake of peace and stability, ensuring civil accord – the basis of the well-being and prosperity of the country.

I want to emphasize once again that the draft of the Constitutional Law “On Amendments and Additions to the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan” has been made public and is under public discussion. It will be amended and finalized based on the proposals and opinions of the people of Uzbekistan.

Then the draft will be submitted to a referendum in the Republic of Uzbekistan, and our citizens will express their will by free voting. Only after this will the amendments and additions to the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan acquire legal force.

This approach fully meets the principle that “The people is the sole source and author of the Constitution”. And our compatriots can proudly say: “The Constitution of New Uzbekistan is my Constitution”.

The process of discussing amendments and additions to the Constitution continues. At the meeting with Deputies of Jokargy Kenes, the representatives of the elderly and activists of Karakalpakstan, taking into consideration the study of opinions of residents of the Republic, I have proposed to leave without changes the acting versions of articles 70, 71, 72, 74, 75 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan, concerning the legal status of the Republic of Karakalpakstan.

The Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis will consider this issue in the coming days.

Dear Deputies and residents of Karakalpakstan!

As you well know, in recent years, we have worked together on large-scale constructive work to ensure the comprehensive social, economic, cultural and innovative development of Karakalpakstan. Its practical results are felt today by every resident of the country.

For the last five years, about 11 trillion Uzbek Soums have been allocated to the local budget of this region. The program of social protection of the population is consistently implemented. Much work is being done to reduce poverty.

In particular, material assistance was provided for approximately 65,000 families included in the «Iron Book», 17,000 families with disabled children under the age of 16, and those who lost their breadwinners.

By 2020 alone, the total per capita income in Karakalpakstan has increased almost three times.

Over the past five years, the volume of construction work has increased 3.5 times. Dozens of new industrial enterprises, modern agricultural clusters and joint ventures were created. In addition, thousands of facilities were built, reconstructed and repaired in the Republic, including kindergartens, general education and specialized schools, universities, health, science, culture and sports institutions.

Since 2017, preschool enrollment has risen from 32 per cent to 75 per cent.

Under the «Obod Kishlok» and «Obod Makhalla» programs, the Republic of Karakalpakstan has extensively worked to develop social infrastructure, providing the population with electricity, natural gas and portable water, and improving irrigation and reclamation networks.

The active work on protecting and restoring the ecological system and sustainable social and economic development of the Aral Sea region is being carried out. In particular, once backward Muynak has acquired a completely new appearance and turned into a modern, dynamically developing region.

The area of 1,733,000 hectares of greenery has been planted on the dried-up part of the Aral Sea. A five-year national program to restore flora and fauna of the region is being developed. For the first time, the issue of its development is defined as a priority of state policy. The Aral Sea area problem is regularly raised from high international tribunes.

I firmly state that the positive changes in Karakalpakstan will continue to be carried out at an accelerated pace.

After all, the fate of Karakalpakstan is the fate of Uzbekistan, and the happiness and well-being of the Karakalpak people is the happiness and well-being of the entire Uzbek people.

I believe in the wisdom of the people of Karakalpakstan, hardened in the trials of life. I urge them to show prudence, not to yield to provocations, including those of external hostile forces and movements, and not to become their victims.

The calls for separatism, mass disorders, forceful methods of confrontation with the authorities will be strictly suppressed under the current legislation, and the perpetrators will face inevitable punishment.

I am convinced that in this difficult period the hard-working, wise, noble and generous people of Karakalpakstan will continue to adhere to the inviolable values of unity and indivisibility of the fates of the Uzbek and Karakalpak peoples.

What has happened calls us to be even more vigilant and attentive. Today as never before, we need a strong will, solidarity and unanimity for the sake of peace and harmony in our native Uzbekistan, for the sake of the future of our children and grandchildren.

I would like to take this opportunity to address all my fellow compatriots who consider Uzbekistan their Motherland, our respected fathers and mothers, our dear brothers and sisters, and our youth.

It is no secret that tough competition, threats as interethnic and inter-confessional conflicts, separatism, nationalism and radicalism are on the rise in various regions of the world.

In such an alarming situation, strengthening friendship and harmony between the representatives of different nations and religions, ensuring stable and continuous development in our beautiful country, and increasing the creative potential of our people and their confidence in the future is not only a task but also a human duty of each and every one of us, primarily of leaders and decision-makers.

This is the only way for us to respond to all modern challenges and threats, develop a steadfast immunity to various destructive ideas in our society, especially in our young people, to achieve even higher results, and keep the path of democratic reforms chosen by our people.

All of us share the same Motherland. We are united by one great goal – peace in our Motherland, the country’s prosperity, and the people’s well-being.

Together we will surely build a new Uzbekistan and a new Karakalpakstan.

I am sure that our brave and noble people, who have overcome many difficult trials in their history, will achieve these great goals.” 

Mugam concert and exhibition as part of the Shusha Year in Berlin

Diplomat Magazine
-
0
Mugam concert and exhibition as part of the Shusha Year in Berlin

Monday, 27 June 2022, Berlin, Germany: At Azerbaijan Cultural Centre located in the lush Berlin-Tiergarten neighbourhood, HE Ambassador Ramin Hasanov, hosted a concert and subsequent reception as part of the ‘ƞuƟa Year’, being commemorated in the Republic of Azerbaijan. 

During his allocuation, Ambassador Hasanov informed the participants about the city of ƞuƟa and its special place in the history and culture of the Azerbaijani people. During the concert, which was held in the framework of the ƞuƟa Year, pieces of Mugam and folk music were performed by the famous singers Gullu Muradova and Babek Niftaliyev accompanied by Sahib Pashazade (Tar), Togrul Asadullayev (Kamancha) and Kamran Karimov (Naghara).

The talented Azerbaijani pianist Narmin Najafli, who works in Berlin, performed the pieces by Azerbaijani and international composers accompanied by the meritorious artist Sahib Pashazade.

Şuşa exhibition.

As part of the ĆžuƟa Year, the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Germany and the Arts Council Azerbaijan jointly organised an exhibition entitled “My Heart is in Karabakh”. The latter exhibition displays pictures of ĆžuƟa and Karabakh made by children aged between 8 and 15 years old. 

For further information 

Azerbaijan’s Embassy in Germany: https://berlin.mfa.gov.az/de/news/3924/mugam-konzert-und-ausstellung-im-rahmen-des-shusha-jahres-in-berlin

———–

Images by Embassy of Azerbaijan in Germany 

Ahmad Al Faqi Al Mahdi case: collective reparations launched

Diplomat Magazine
-
0
Ahmad Al Faqi Al Mahdi case: collective reparations launched

Bamako, The Hague, 12 July 2022 – Ten years after the destruction of the mausoleums of Timbuktu, reparations are continuing to be provided for the victims in the case of Ahmad Al Faqi Al Mahdi, who is due to be released on 18 September of this year. Following on from the symbolic and individual reparations, the Trust Fund for Victims of the International Criminal Court and its partners have launched the collective reparations programme for Timbuktu, on 6 July, in the presence of the city and regional authorities.

“Launching the collective reparations exactly ten years after the commission of this war crime is a powerful symbol. Although Mali is still facing a major crisis and the security situation in the region of Timbuktu remains highly precarious, this nevertheless demonstrates that justice is possible and that the victims’ right to justice can and must be guaranteed. The cultural and religious heritage that was targeted during these attacks is now reconstructed and stands at the heart of daily life in the community of Timbuktu, which will now be able to benefit from specific measures intended to address the harm suffered”, states Ibrahim Sorie Yillah, Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors of the Trust Fund for Victims.

Ceremony to mark the launch of the collective reparations, Timbuktu, 6 July 2022 (©Hameye Touré).

Following the implementation of the symbolic reparations, which took place on 30 March 2021 in Bamako, more than 880 victims have benefited from individual reparations, in accordance with the corresponding Decision of Trial Chamber VIII of the International Criminal Court. Now that the individual reparations are almost complete and the necessary consultations have been conducted among the Timbuktu community, the collective reparations can now commence.

On 6 July 2022, the Trust Fund for Victims and its partners, CFOGRAD, UNESCO and CIDEAL, launched their reparations at a ceremony held at the Ahmed Baba Institute of Higher Learning and Islamic Research (Institut des hautes Ă©tudes et de recherches islamiques Ahmed Baba) of Timbuktu, in partnership with the local and regional authorities and attended by the Mali Representative of the International Criminal Court. Canada and Norway, which are contributing to the Trust Fund’s reparations programme, were both represented on this occasion.

These reparations consist of three components: i) restoration of the cultural heritage (UNESCO); ii) commemorations to address the moral harm caused to the community of Timbuktu (CFOGRAD); iii) an economic resilience facility to address the damage caused to the Timbuktu economy as a result of the destruction of its cultural heritage (CIDEAL).

“The collective reparations are especially important as they are long-awaited by the whole of the community following the individual reparations, which involved only a limited number of beneficiaries based on their particular connection to the destroyed mausoleums. In the context of these reparations, the commemorations will play a key role in passing on and conveying the role and significance of our heritage to future generations,” states Aboubacrine CissĂ©, Mayor of Timbuktu, during the launch ceremony.

Aboubacrine Cissé, Mayor of Timbuktu, Ibrahim Sorie Yillah, Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors of the Trust Fund for Victims, and Nouhoum Sangaré, Chief of Field Office of the ICC in Mali, during the launch ceremony in Timbuktu, 6 July 2022 (©Hameye Touré).

In order to support the commemoration initiatives, CFOGRAD, a partner organisation of the Trust Fund, set up participatory commemoration committees throughout the whole city, which brought together all sections of the population to reflect on the commemoration. Once the initial proposals had been prepared by the various committees, it was then necessary to share and consolidate these with the administrative and political authorities in Timbuktu in order to jointly determine the form that the commemorations should take.

“Commemorations are not a simple matter and raise numerous questions. What is it that we want to commemorate? The destruction of our heritage? Its reconstruction? What form must they take, and how can they be integrated into our life and community in a manner that will have meaning and enable them to be passed on to future generations? These are the questions that the commemoration committees need to address in co-operation with the city and regional authorities. And it is only in this way that the commemorations will be able to provide a restorative dimension for our community, in the spirit of the decision issued by the judges of the International Criminal Court”,  states Alpha TourĂ©, Director of CFOGRAD.

At the same time, on 5 July 2022, the Governor of the Timbuktu Region, Mr Bakoun KantĂ©, established a regional commission to coordinate and monitor the collective reparations measures [Decision attached as an annex], which was tasked with supporting the measures implemented by the Trust Fund for Victims. Supporting the city authorities should help to facilitate implementation of the activities associated not only with the commemorations but also with the economic assistance and the heritage restoration.

“The heritage that was destroyed in Timbuktu is of exceptional universal value. As part of its mandate, UNESCO has already contributed significantly to its reconstruction. In supporting the Trust Fund for Victims with the implementation of a historic decision in the field of international criminal justice, in favour of cultural heritage – and at a time when this is threatened in numerous regions of the world – UNESCO intends to go even further in terms of restoring the heritage that constitutes an important part of the identity of this city and its inhabitants,” states Edmond Moukala, Representative of UNESCO in Mali.

Reflection and remembrance at the cemetery of the three Saints, with the descendants of the Saints, on the day before the launch of the collective reparations, 5 July 2022 (©Hameye Touré).

On 26 September 2016, Mr Ahmad Al Faqi Al Mahdi was found guilty by the International Criminal Court of the war crime of intentionally directing attacks against buildings of a religious and historical character and was sentenced to nine years’ of imprisonment. Since that date, he has been serving his sentence. In November 2021, the ICC granted his early release, which is due to take effect on 18 September 2022.

“In the case of Ahmad Al Faqi Al Mahdi, which is drawing to a close with the implementation of the reparations and his upcoming release, the International Criminal Court acts – as it does in all its proceedings in Mali and elsewhere – in complementarity with the State concerned. In the wake of the work carried out by the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission (Commission VĂ©ritĂ© Justice et RĂ©conciliation), Mali has an ambitious reparations programme at the national level. The launch of the collective reparations is fully in line with this process, which is aimed at upholding the rights of the victims to receive reparations,” states Nouhoum SangarĂ©, Representative, Chief of Field Offices of the International Criminal Court in CĂŽte d’Ivoire and Mali.

Judge Graciela Gatti Santana participates in Twenty-Seventh Commemoration of the Srebrenica Genocide

Diplomat Magazine
-
0
Judge Graciela Gatti Santana participates in Twenty-Seventh Commemoration of the Srebrenica Genocide

The Hague, 12 July 2022– The President of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, Judge Graciela Gatti Santana, today concluded her visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) where she participated in a series of events marking the Twenty-Seventh Commemoration of the Genocide in Srebrenica.

Yesterday, 11 July, the President took part in the official Commemoration ceremony held at the Srebrenica Memorial Center in Potočari, BiH, along with a number of other high-level international and national dignitaries. In her remarks delivered at the ceremony, President Gatti Santana noted that: “the name ‘Srebrenica’ carries such weight, and is so significant, that it is known by people around the world. It evokes a full spectrum of memories and emotions that can bring one from the depths of despair, through to real belief in the human spirit and hope for the future.”

President Gatti Santana further highlighted the Mechanism’s role in safeguarding the precious legacy of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), underscoring the importance of sharing knowledge about what happened during the 1990s conflicts in the region. In this context, she stated that: â€œAfter all, if we forget the past, we are doomed to repeat it.”  Following the ceremony, the President paid her respects to the victims of the Genocide in Srebrenica by laying a flower in their honour.

While in BiH, President Gatti Santana also delivered closing remarks at the â€œSrebrenica Heroines” international conference, which was held on 10 July at the Srebrenica Memorial Center. This was the first conference of its kind, dedicated to honouring the women survivors of the Genocide in Srebrenica.

Today in Sarajevo, President Gatti Santana took part in a Diplomatic Briefing hosted by the United Nations Resident Coordinator in BiH, Ms Ingrid Macdonald. The President provided an update on the Mechanism’s current activities and priorities to members of the diplomatic community accredited to BiH and representatives of international organisations. During the afternoon, she paid a visit to the Information Centre on the ICTY, which is housed in the Sarajevo City Hall.

The President also met with a number of high-level officials, representatives of victims’ groups and others while in BiH.

This was President Gatti Santana’s first visit to the region of the former Yugoslavia since assuming office as Mechanism President on 1 July 2022.

On the Policy of the Uzbek leadership to support the development of the Republic of KarakalpakstanïżŒ

Diplomat Magazine
-
0
On the Policy of the Uzbek leadership to support the development of the Republic of KarakalpakstanïżŒ

Uzbekistan has always given priority to promoting the development of the Republic of Karakalpakstan. This largest region of the country in terms of territory has large natural and raw materials and agricultural resources, labor potential, transport networks and industrial infrastructure.

The sustainable development of this region is hampered by the negative impact of the ecological crisis of the Aral Sea region, difficult climatic conditions, low population density, low quality of land and water resources, and transport remoteness of settlements. According to UN estimates, most of the region is an arid zone, highly prone to land degradation. All this has an impact on the economic development of Karakalpakstan, social well-being and health of the population, attracting the constant attention of Tashkent.

The President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has repeatedly noted that he is “the son of not only the Uzbek, but also the Karakalpak people.” In his speeches, he always focuses on the fact that “New Uzbekistan is a state the main goal of which is to ensure a free, comfortable and prosperous life for a multinational people.”

“Karakalpakstan is one of the regions, the solution of development problems of which has become one of the priorities of the state policy.” It is no coincidence that in September 2021, as a presidential candidate, Shavkat Mirziyoyev began his election campaign precisely by visiting this region. In February 2022, the President spent three days in Karakalpakstan, studying the situation in the regions, the results achieved and remaining problems, and ways to resolve them.

Thanks to this, over the past 5 years, significant positive results have been achieved in the socio-economic development of Karakalpakstan. Gross domestic product (GRP) increased by 32%, industrial production increased by 30%, agricultural production by 20%. The number of operating enterprises in the region increased by 59%.

For five years, 4,390 thousand sq.m. of land for housing were put into operation in the region, 15.2 thousand places were created in preschool institutions, 38.3 thousand places in schools. Since 2017, the coverage of children with preschool education has increased from 32% to 75%. During the same period, approximately 127 thousand new jobs were created. For the period 2011-2020 GRP per capita increased by 6.9 times.

All this dynamics of socio-economic development is provided not only by significant financial support from the state (Karakalpakstan is one of the main recipients of subsidies from the state budget of the Republic of Uzbekistan), but also by a system of other measures and mechanisms for targeted support of the region.

Over the past five years alone, 11 trillion Uzbek Soums have been allocated to the regional budget. Significant grants and loans from foreign donors and international financial institutions have been attracted. The Senate of the Oliy Majlis formed the Committee for the Development of the Aral Sea Region, Improving Life and Increasing the Income of the Population. Each city and region of Karakalpakstan is assigned to one of the regions of Uzbekistan (Nukus – to Tashkent, Muynak District – to the Tashkent Region, etc.). Similar patronage is entrusted to departments and large banks. As part of the “Doing Business in Karakalpakstan” campaign, 264 projects worth $350 million have been developed.

Great importance is attached to the development of the region’s transport infrastructure. The Muynak airport, frozen for 30 years, was reconstructed, which made it possible to restore air traffic Tashkent – Muynak – Nukus. In September 2020, ADB provided a $274 million loan for the reconstruction of the Nukus-Beyneu highway.

The successful industrial development of the region is evidenced by the construction and commissioning of dozens of enterprises in the fields of electric power, chemical, petrochemical industries and building materials. The largest of them are the Ustyurt Gas Chemical Complex, the Kungrad Soda Plant and the Khodjeliy Glass Plant. From 2017 to 2020, industrial production increased from 2.1 times. Over the same period, the total volume of investments in fixed capital increased by almost 3.7 times.

The targeted programs have been adopted and are being implemented for food production, cultivation and process agricultural products, cultivate medicinal plants, as well as establish logistics centers in the agricultural sector.

The main directions for further increasing the economic potential of Karakalpakstan are defined in the Presidential Resolution «On measures for the integrated socio-economic development of the Republic of Karakalpakstan for 2020-2023». It focuses on creating the new «growth points» of cities and districts, supporting for areas with a low level of development. It is set to create 374 facilities and 27 clusters, increase the annual export volume to $347 million, and rise the export enterprises to 250. 1,359 investment projects with a total amount of 12,3 trillion Uzbek Soums have been formed.

In the medium term, it is planned to put into operation a mining and metallurgical complex, modernize the Ustyurt gas chemical complex, as well as build hydrogen and nitrogen filling stations, etc.

Establishing a situational center for the investment projects in the capital of the Nukus region, on the basis of which a unified system for the formation, implementation and monitoring of business projects has been formed, will contribute to improving the efficiency of the region’s investment complex. A Council of Entrepreneurs has also been established, which interacts with project teams when discussing new ideas and proposals, as well as attracts the entrepreneurs for their implementation.

The development of the region is stimulated both by the system of tax and other benefits, and by the creation of special economic zones. The profit tax, income tax, turnover tax and social tax will amount to 1% for local industry in the agriculture and services sectors for the period of 2022-2030.

During the period of 2022-2026 the Export Promotion Agency will reimburse the small business entities of the Aral Sea Region 50% of the cost of railway transportation from other regions of the republic of machinery and equipment for the construction of enterprises and for the export of their products with high added value.

The Free economic Zone (FEZ) «Nukus-pharm», created in 2017, is designed to develop the pharmaceutical industry on the basis of its own medicinal plant raw materials. It is planned to create a free industrial zone in the Shumanai district on the border with Turkmenistan.

The export-oriented vegetable crops will be grown on 12 thousand hectares instead of cotton, the Karakalpak-Agro FEZ is developing, sesame plantations are being created, and the number of pedigreed cattle is increasing in the agricultural sector.

Active work is underway to protect and restore the ecological system of the Aral Sea region. According to the UN General Assembly Resolution of May 18, 2021, the Aral Sea zone is the main part of Karakalpakstan, as well as has become a zone of environmental innovation and technology. A project on greening the bottom of the dried-up Aral Sea is being implemented. Green spaces with an area of 1,7 million hectares have already been planted there. It is set to introduce the  electronic cartography and create a database of endangered species of flora and fauna.

As part of the innovative development program of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, an Academy of Young Scientists and a Youth Technopark are being established in Nukus to support young scientists and researchers, within which a laboratory with a genetic bank of plant seeds, a business accelerator and a training center at the International Innovation Center of the Aral Sea Region will be opened.

There has been active cooperation with international institutions and foreign policy partners to improve the socio-economic situation in Karakalpakstan. At the initiative of the President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in November 2018, the United Nations Multi-Partner Human Security Trust Fund for the Aral Sea Region in Uzbekistan was established.

Within five years, it is planned to attract $123.2 million to increase employment, improve social and natural conditions of Karakalpakstan. The government of Uzbekistan transferred the first tranche of $6.5 million to the fund. Funding arrangements have been made with the EU ($5.5 million), Finland, Norway, Japan, South Korea, Germany and Switzerland.

As part of the SCO chairmanship, the President Shavkat Mirziyoyev put forward the program «the SCO Green Belt », which provides for the expansion of cooperation between member States in the field of environmental protection. The first SCO event (meeting of the Council of National Coordinators in October 2021) was held in the capital of the region – Nukus.

Together with UNICEF, a programme was being implemented to improve the health, nutrition, water, sanitation, hygiene and well-being of the population, primarily the adolescents of Karakalpakstan. The programme addresses the needs of the population through the construction of sanitation facilities, improved access to safe water, hygiene promotion and sanitary.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the embassies of Uzbekistan abroad have established active efforts to attract funds and credits for socio-economic development in Karakalpakstan and to reduce the adverse impact of climatic conditions. A project worth $24.5 million is being implemented with ACWA Power Saudi Arabia for the construction and operation of a 100 MW wind farm in the Karatau district of Karakalpakstan.

In general, the socio-economic development of Karakalpakstan, the improvement of the population’s life and the overcoming of the environmental crisis in the Aral Sea region are priority objectives of State policy and an important part of the development strategy of New Uzbekistan. The measures taken are designed to ensure the joint construction of New Karakalpakstan, to help strengthen the unity of the two peoples.

Kosovo Duo Concert: No Frame

Diplomat Magazine
-
0
Kosovo Duo Concert: No Frame

By Roy Lie Atjam

The Kosovo Embassy in the Netherlands organized a cultural diplomacy soiree a piano guitar concert. The occasion was the NATO intervention leading up to freedom.

H.E. Mr Dren Doli, Ambassador of Kosovo in the Netherlands made the opening remarks.

The theme of the concert was No Frame referring to spontaneous communication between the two performers, Arben Ramadani piano and Armend Xhaferi guitar. Improvised music, no predefined program, just expressing mutual inner feelings through the tune of Kosovo music, substituted by classical music.

Kosovar musicians, Arben Ramadani piano and Armend Xhaferi guitar.

The concert was held on 30 June 2022, at Het Korenhuis in the heart of The Hague.  Het Korenhuis was built as a corn exchange in 1663, where grain was stored and traded.

An amazing soiree, bravo Kosovo !

No Frame Kosovar concert

Bangladesh @ 50, water story photo book launch in Delft-The Netherlands

Diplomat Magazine
-
0
Bangladesh @ 50, water story photo book launch in Delft-The Netherlands

By Roy Lie Atjam

Delft, 30 June 2022. The Bangladesh Ambassador in the Netherlands Mr Riaz Hamidullah, and Dutch Water Envoy Mr Henk Ovink, launched a book capturing award-winning pictures from younger Bangladeshi and Dutch photographers.

The book results from sixteen months of collaboration between the main Dutch water analysis establishment, Deltares – Annemieke Nijhof  and the Embassy of Bangladesh.

Bangladesh @ 50, water story photo book launch in Delft-The Netherlands.

In the  past year,  the Photo Contest had 800,000 outreaches on social media of  which a jury has selected ten Bangladeshi pictures.

The commemorative photo book has been produced as a part of 50 years of diplomatic ties between the Netherlands and Bangladesh and devoted to the Father of Nation  Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Bangladesh-the Netherlands water story.

The book launching event attracted major figures from the Dutch water sector, such as IHE, Wageningen University, Royal Haskoning, and other institutions.

Several news outlets in Bangladesh as Financial Express, TBS News, and UNB,  divulgated the news of the launching of the prestigious work.

Kudos to the Embassy of Bangladesh in the Netherlands.

Luxembourg  National Day Celebration 2022

Diplomat Magazine
-
0
Luxembourg  National Day Celebration 2022

By Roy Lie Atjam

The Ambassador of Luxembourg, H.E. Mr. Jean-Marc Hoscheit and Mrs Nicole Hoscheit-Maes organized a reception on the National Day of Luxembourg at their residence on 23 June 2022.

On this sunny afternoon, the lawns of the residence serve as a fabulous backdrop for the reception. Without a doubt, Ambassador Hoscheit’s colleagues enjoy the program.

In his speech, Ambassador Jean-Marc Hoscheit expressed the view that many tourists will visit Luxembourg since the free movement of persons within the Schengen countries has resumed. Hoscheit invited his guest to taste the Luxembourg cuisine and beverages.

The Ambassador of Luxembourg, H.E. Mr. Jean-Marc Hoscheit and Mrs Nicole Hoscheit-Maes welcome a guest.

The saxophone quartet Saxitude a creative and high-energy saxophone quartet from Luxembourg delighted the guests with their musical intermezzo. Further, on the program, Mr Piet Hein Donner was made “Grand Officer of the Order of the Oak Crown”.

Those in attendance included a long slate of Ambassadors and other dignitaries, China, DG.OPCW and many others.

Congratulations Luxembourg.

1...149150151...858Page 150 of 858