Who is a primary winner in the emerging food crisis?

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Who is a primary winner in the emerging food crisis?

By Prof. Dr. Masahiro Matsumura

Since the outbreak of the Ukraine war, international grains prices, especially wheat, corn and sunflower, have soared. The circumstance has abruptly aggravated the already serious shortage of grains due to frequent droughts and other adverse climatic variations, now developing into a global food crisis. According to the U.N. World Food Program, 49 million people in the developing world are falling into peril of famine, manifested by riots and protestations in Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Pakistan, Peru, and by destabilizing dynamics in the Sahel, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Chad, among others[2]. 

To be noted, Russia and Ukraine are major wheat exporters that together supply some 30% of global wheat exports. The West has imposed severe economic sanctions on Russia, especially the exclusion of the country from the SWIFT, or a dominant on-line system for U.S. dollar-based international settlement, that impedes the country from exporting. Besides, the Western governments and mainstream media are denouncing Moscow for minelaying against major ports in the Black and Azov Seas, especially Mariupol and Odessa 

Yet, such minelaying against the port of Mariupol is at least self-inflicting for Russia, as a significant portion of Russia’s grain exports also depends on the port’s capacity and secure sealines of communications in the two Seas[3], Thus, Moscow surely finds it most rational to keep Mariupol mine-free, while, with its significant superior naval power, putting naval blockade against Ukraine’s naval operations, replenishment and trade with strategic implications.

On the other hand, Ukraine will find itself compelled to take an anti-access denial strategy against Russia’s naval power, by actively employing sea mines as well as coastal defense cruise missiles[4]. This is because Ukraine’s naval power is highly inferior to that of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet. Also, its counter-amphibious assault land and air power are also very limited, especially at the initial phase of the war when the country had to fight in international isolation without any substantial military assistance and arms transfer. In early March, Belarus President Lukashenko inadvertently showed a classified map on Russia’s military plan to attack Ukraine, including amphibious assaults against Odessa[5].

Such a strategy has become obvious and turned out somewhat effective in the mid-April when Ukraine used its home-grown anti-ship cruise missile, Neptune, to have successfully sunk the flagship of the Black Sea Fleet, Moskva, with assistance of the U.S. military intelligence to locate and target the ship at the offshore of Odessa.

Most plausibly, therefore, it may be Ukrainian troops that have laid mines against possible Russia’s amphibious assaults aimed to occupy Mariupol and Odessa. Given close intelligence cooperation between Washington and Kiev, the minelaying was likely done according to the advice of U.S. military intelligence. 

No wonder, Moscow attributes the minelaying to Kiev[6], and has swiftly de-mined the Mariupol port while securing safe passage open through the Azov Sea[7] In reality, Kiev remains reluctant to de-mine for setting up protected corridors[8]. 

Amid the intense interplay of war propaganda and counter-propaganda, West’s denunciation against Russia’s minelaying has hardly turned out be cogent in the BRICS and other major developing nations that have not partaken in U.S-led Western economic sanction against Russia.

In response to growing international pressure, Moscow says that, if the West lifts its economic sanctions, it is now ready to lift its blockade against seven Ukrainian ports, including Odessa and set up protected sea corridors for international shipping[9]. Currently, Moscow and Ankara are gearing up for talks to realize these corridors in the Black Sea[10].

In the evolving global food crisis, the developing world will largely welcome Russia’s move to fill the supply gap, especially because the country expects a large grain harvest to support higher exports this year[11].

Consequently, the West faces a dilemma. If the West decides to lift the current sanctions, that will constitute a confirmation of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, accelerating the weakening of the existing liberal international order. Conversely, if the West chooses to continue the sanctions, that will deepen the emerging food crisis and the instability of many developing countries, pushing them away toward authoritarianism and further weakening the international order. Then, for grains imports from Russia, developing countries will have to rely on an alternative on-line system for international settlement, most probably, China’s Cross-Border Interbank Payment System (CIPS) that has seen a gradual and steady growth in the networking, in tandem with many infrastructure building projects under the Bridge and Road Initiatives across the developing world 

Most importantly, such a plausible outcome involves significant risks to further weaken the key currency role of the U.S. dollar as an essential base of the U.S. economic hegemony and the U.S.-led international order. This is particularly so because the U.S. Federal Reserve is about to launch a full-scale quantitative tightening that will involve a devastative effect on the deepening structural vulnerabilities of the U.S. national economy ridden with huge cumulative federal debts.

Thus, it is China that will probably get most out of the ongoing politics of a global food crisis, while pulling Russia more onto its geo-economic orbit. 

Now the West has to reconstruct a comprehensive approach to the Ukraine war, by overcoming its myopic attention to the military dimension. 

About the author: 

Prof. Dr. Masahiro Matsumura

Prof. Dr. Masahiro Matsumura is Professor of International Politics and National Security, Faculty of Law, St. Andrew’s University (Momoyama Gakuin Daigaku). He is Member of IFIMES Council.

The views expressed in this explanatory note are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect IFIMES official position.

Footnotes:
[1] IFIMES – International Institute for Middle East and Balkan Studies, based in Ljubljana, Slovenia, has Special Consultative status at ECOSOC/UN, New York, since 2018.
[2] Jack Phillips. “World Has Just ’10 Weeks’ of Wheat Supplies Left in Storage, Analyst Warns”, Epoch Times, May 22, 2022, https://www.theepochtimes.com/analyst-warns-world-has-just-10-weeks-of-wheat-supplies-left-in-storage_4482789.html. Tyler Durden, “Russia To Open Sea Corridors From Ukraine Ports Amid Wheat Crisis, But Warns Of Ukrainian Mines”, ZeroHedge, May 26, 2022, https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/russia-open-sea-corridors-ukraine-ports-amid-wheat-crisis-warns-ukrainian-mines.
[3] Yelena Vassilieva and Levin Flake, “Overview of Russian Grain Port Capacity and Transportation”, GAIN Report, USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, No. RS1149, November 3, 2011, https://apps.fas.usda.gov/newgainapi/api/report/downloadreportbyfilename?filename=Overview%20of%20Russian%20Grain%20Port%20Capacity%20and%20Transportation_Moscow_Russian%20Federation_11-3-2011.pdf. Levin Flake, “Russian Grain Port Capacity and Transportation Update”, GAIN Report, RS1352, August 16, 2013, https://apps.fas.usda.gov/newgainapi/api/report/downloadreportbyfilename?filename=Overview%20of%20Russian%20Grain%20Port%20Capacity%20and%20Transportation_Moscow_Russian%20Federation_11-3-2011.pdf.
[4] Jason Lancaster, “An Anti-Access Denial Strategy For Ukraine”, CIMSEC, April 12, 2022, https://cimsec.org/an-anti-access-denial-strategy-for-ukraine/.
[5] http://www.hisutton.com/images/Russia-Ukraine-Amphibious-Landings.jpg.
[6] “Ukrainian forces place mine near foreign ships moored at Mariupol port — defense ministry”, TASS, April 11, 2022, https://tass.com/defense/1435471.
[7] “Russian top brass confirms Mariupol seaport cleared of mines and back in business”, TASS, May 25, 2022, https://tass.com/defense/1455595?utm_source=tanakanews.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=tanakanews.com&utm_referrer=tanakanews.com. “Safe passage opens through Azov Sea – Russia”, RT, May 26, 2022, https://www.rt.com/russia/556121-azov-sea-safe-passage/.
[8] “Ukraine says no to Russia’s call for de-mining ports to allow grain shipments”, Pars Today, June 8, 2022, https://parstoday.com/en/about_us.
[9] Durden, op.cit. 
[10] “Russia, Turkey discuss grain export corridor from Ukraine”, Aljazeera, June 7, 2022, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/6/7/russia-turkey-discuss-grain-exports-corridor-from-ukraine.
[11] “Putin says large Russian grain harvest to support higher exports”, Reuters, May 12, 2022, https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/putin-says-large-russian-grain-harvest-support-higher-exports-2022-05-12/.

Openness as Prerequisite and Essential Pillar of Reforms

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Openness as Prerequisite and Essential Pillar of Reforms

Openness and transparency are considered among the most effective tools in the fight against corruption and its prevention. Thus, the efforts instigated in Uzbekistan to secure the rule of law, introduce effective forms of openness and transparency, establish genuine public control over the activities of government authorities have been gaining momentum as decisive and steadfast in nature.

As a result, initiated by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, considerable positive strides have been conspicuous lately in the country in combating various forms of bureaucracy and corruption. In particular, new procedures have been established to ensure the openness and transparency of the activities of government bodies and organizations, so have the conditions necessary for effective public oversight. To this end, within a short period of time the system for considering appeals from individuals and corporate bodies has been radically redefined, the People’s Receptions, Helplines and Virtual Reception of the President were launched. Thus, the head of state demonstrated readiness for open communication with citizens. In addition, a functioning mechanism has been set up in each ministry and government agency to work with appeals in the form of ministerial helplines and virtual receptions or field receptions.

Moreover, the widespread use of digital and online technologies has helped bolster the government accountability before the civil society. In particular, the Open Data Portal (data.gov.uz), the registered database of legal entities and business entities (my.gov.uz) and other platforms play an important role in reducing and eliminating bureaucracy, as well as combating and preventing corruption.

The adopted regulatory acts of conceptual significance and other administrative reforms aimed at preventing corruption also bear fruit in ensuring the openness of government authorities and administrative bodies.

For example, in order to prevent theft of budgetary funds, the Public Procurement Law was adopted. Now, according to this normative act, all information on public procurement is posted on d.xarid.uz portal. Efficient mechanisms of public control have been created, and the newly launched Open Budget portal has allowed the population to be directly involved in the management of budget funds.

In accordance with the 22 September 2021 Resolution of President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, an effective system overseen by the local population and the general public was introduced for spending budget funds and surplus amount of the forecast of local budget revenues. The act also kick-started the Initiative Budget project.

For reference: In the first season of the Initiative Budget project in 2022, a total of 70 thousand initiatives were received from citizens, 2,215 of which won the contest. More than 6.7 million people took part in voting on these projects. Thirty-four percent of the winning initiatives were related to secondary school renovation projects.

In addition, a system was instituted whereby the sale of public property, real estate, land plots, vehicles, license plates, the right to build and install outdoor advertising facilities, those for speed cameras should be realized through open online auction (https://e-auksion.uz/).

Another example: a newly created system establishes mandatory public discussion of draft laws as well as draft regulatory acts to be adopted by the President and the government, with the launch of the portal regulation.gov.uz.

This, in turn, contributes to the transparency of important decisions planned for adoption, and the practical implementation of the principle of accountability to citizens.

One of the main achievements in this area is the improvement of press services that inform the public about the activities of government bodies and organizations. That is, all government bodies and organizations have press services, and the status of spokespersons has been raised to the level of advisers to the head of a government agency on information policy.

In addition, the maximum openness and transparency of statistical data for a wide range of domestic and foreign users has been ensured. Accordingly, open statistical data are posted on the Open Data Portal, including information on public procurement, registration of patents, medicines and medical products, public transportation, land use and other information.

Similar systemic and consistent reforms have significantly improved the position of Uzbekistan in a number of international rankings and indices, one of the main of which is the index of openness.

For example, as of 2020, Uzbekistan rose by 125 positions, to 44th in the Open Data Inventory Ranking. The introduction of the practice of disclosing indicators in 20 areas of state and public administration proved instrumental.

And, in the updated Corruption Perceptions Index by Transparency International for 2021, Uzbekistan climbed six positions compared to 2020, ranking 140th out of 180 countries.

As a logical continuation of the reforms, on June 16, 2021, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan signed a decree envisaging additional measures to ensure the openness of the activities of government bodies and organizations, as well as the effective implementation of public control, which, according to both local and international experts, has become a truly groundbreaking document.

The decree approved the list of socially significant information to be posted as open data, and clearly defined government bodies and organizations that develop data, as well as procedure for publishing open data.

Committees on information policy and ensuring openness in government bodies under the Legislative Chamber and the Senate of the Oliy Majlis, as well as standing commissions on information policy and ensuring openness in local government bodies under regional, district and city councils of people’s representatives started operating.

The Anti-Corruption Agency is tasked with coordinating and constantly monitoring the openness in the activities of government authorities, expanding the list of open data, strengthening public control and cultivating in civil servants a culture of public accountability.

A new department for ensuring the openness in activities of government bodies and organizations has been created within the Agency structure.

Based on the information disclosed by government bodies and organizations, local media, including major media outlets, published about 140 news reports and journalistic investigations.

The Anti-Corruption Agency has established a system of continuous monitoring of the timely placement of socially significant information in designated resources as open data approved by the Decree.

For example, in January-February 2022, the Agency published on its official website reports on the study of the work done by 135 ministries and departments, local government bodies regarding the placement on its official websites and the Open Data Portal of the necessary information about its activities, in particular about public procurements, expenses for business trips of officials and for the reception of foreign guests, and others.

At the same time, from December 1, 2021, sessions of the Legislative Chamber and the Senate of the Oliy Majlis, Jokargy Kenes of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, regional, district and city Councils of people’s representatives are mandatorily broadcast live on TV channels and the Internet. The live broadcast of the sessions serves to raise the level of legal awareness of citizens and their direct acquaintance with the content and significance of the discussed legislative acts, as well as with the opinions of the experts who developed them.

Over the past period, the Agency submitted 26 statutory notices and 35 warning letters to ministries, departments and local governments to eliminate violations identified as a result of monitoring and analysis.

Now it is planned to work on this issue on an ongoing basis, to organize seminars with the involvement of experts from nongovernmental organizations working in this area. One of the main issues on the agenda is expanding the list of open data and raising it to a qualitatively new level, developing proposals for the further development of the area.

Over the past period, legislation on the activities of government bodies and organizations in the field of openness has been fully documented, reasonable proposals have been developed to fill existing gaps and improve mechanisms that do not give the expected results. In particular, three laws, one resolution of the President and three resolutions of the government and one departmental document aimed at regulating the openness were adopted.

For example, a draft law ‘On amendments to the Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan on administrative responsibility’ has been developed. According to it, the new Code of Administrative Responsibility is supplemented by a new article 2157, which provides for a fine of 3 to 10 reference calculation values for officials of government authorities who violate the requirements of openness legislation.

Another important issue is that in accordance with the Resolution of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan ‘On additional measures to further improve the activities of the Anti-Corruption Agency of the Republic of Uzbekistan’, a Public Control Development Fund was established under the Agency.

From now on, the preparation of materials on the openness of the activities of government bodies and organizations, the financing of projects of NGOs, other civil society institutions to ensure openness in government bodies and organizations, as well as research in this area and a number of other areas will be implemented at the expense of the Fund.

Also, at the expense of the Fund, the work of a call center with a single short number ‘1253’ was established, which allows citizens to promptly report facts of corruption.

In addition, the Agency plans to form an Openness Index (rating) of government bodies and organizations and publish the rating based on the results of each year.

Most importantly, the Index allows to visually show the level of openness of any government body and organization to the public.

The Anti-Corruption Agency pays special attention to further improving the position of Uzbekistan in international rankings and indices by improving the efficiency of work in this area.

In particular, to improve the position of the country, a comprehensive analysis of the Open Government Factor, WJP Rule of Law Index, was carried out (Uzbekistan ranked 122nd out of 139 countries with the highest index over the past 6 years in terms of the Open Government Factor – 0.37 points in 2021). Based on the results of the analysis, a program of measures was developed to improve the country’s position in this international index. In addition, as of 2022, steps are being taken to further improve and update Uzbekistan rankings in the Open Data Inventory, the Rule of Law Index, the Global Open Data Index, and the Open Data Barometer.

If we want to achieve fundamental changes in the field of openness, we must, of course, meet the requirements of generally recognized standards through membership in international organizations. In this regard, Uzbekistan became a member of the International Open Data Charter last year. The Charter works to ensure openness and transparency of information from over 150 governments and organizations around the world.

The Agency established close cooperation with this organization and, together with the State Statistics Committee of Uzbekistan, with the support of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, developed recommendations and the Final Report on open datasets on combating corruption in Uzbekistan. The priority is to further expand access to open data, create an open data infrastructure based on international standards.

In a word, the policy of openness and transparency in Uzbekistan will now only gain momentum, the government will be even more open, greater transparency will be ensured, cooperation between citizens and authorities will continue to improve and develop. After all, openness and transparency are not only a requirement of the time, but also a prerequisite and essential pillar of reforms in the New Uzbekistan.

The right to liberty and security of person is a right guaranteed by the Constitution

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The right to liberty and security of person is a right guaranteed by the Constitution

By Eshmatova Feruza, Authorized Person of the Oliy Majlis for Human Rights (Ombudsman).

In the Republic of Uzbekistan, where more than 35 million people, representing more than 140 nationalities and ethnicities live, in accordance with the Constitution everyone has equal rights and obligations. It must be recognized that ensuring fundamental human rights and freedoms is a priority among the reforms carried out in Uzbekistan.

First and foremost, reforms in the field of human rights are directly related to The Strategy of Actions on five priority areas of development of the Republic of Uzbekistan for 2017-2021, which was adopted at the initiative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

As part of this historic document, much work has been done through annual state programs to ensure the rule of law, improve the judicial system, liberalize the penitentiary system, ensure gender equality, prevent torture, ensure openness and transparency, strengthen freedom of speech and to provide another opportunity for those who have lost their way and to integrate them into society on the basis of humanitarian principles.

In this regard, the adoption of the National Human Rights Strategy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in 2020 was one of the important steps in ensuring human rights.

In addition, good results have been achieved in cooperation with the International Labor Organization and the World Bank to eradicate forced labor and child labor.

Particular attention is also paid to ensuring the rights of people with special needs. In particular, a new law on the rights of persons with disabilities entered into force in 2021. The Parliament of Uzbekistan ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Most importantly, these positive changes have been recognized and supported by the international community. The fact that Uzbekistan was elected to the UN Human Rights Council for the first time is also the practical result of five years of reforms.

Undoubtedly, the role of the Strategy of Actions in ensuring new modern and effective mechanisms for the protection of human rights and freedoms in the activities of the Institute of the Authorized Person of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Human Rights (Ombudsman), established in 1995, is invaluable.

Since it is within the framework of the Strategy of Actions, the Ombudsman has the right, in accordance with the law, to apply to the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Uzbekistan, participate in its sessions and express his opinion on all issues considered by the court, to apply to the courts in the interest of citizens and without payment of state duty, to apply to the committees of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan with a proposal to consider the issue of hearing the information of representatives of public authorities on eliminating the identified violations of the legislation in the field of rights and freedoms of citizens, to make submissions to the heads of state bodies and other organizations on the elimination of identified violations of legislation in the field of human rights and freedoms, the reasons and conditions that make them possible for consideration within the prescribed period.

In addition, in 2019, the institution of the National Preventive Mechanism for the Prevention of Torture under the Authorized Person of the Oliy Majlis for human rights (Ombudsman) was created and strengthened by the relevant legislation. According to it, the Authorized Person should take measures to prevent torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment through regular visits to places of detention.

As a logical continuation of the reforms, two presidential documents concerning the activities of the Ombudsman were signed this year. The Resolution of the Head of the state “On additional measures to improve the system of detection and prevention of torture” dated June 26, 2021 approved the system of detection and prevention of torture in accordance with the generally recognized principles and norms of international human rights law, improved the mechanism of prompt and impartial consideration of appeals and mechanism of bringing the perpetrators to justice, providing victims of torture with social, legal, psychological and medical assistance and compensation. Also, the identification of cases of torture and the widespread involvement of civil society institutions in their prevention was identified as priority areas, and the activities of the NPM under the Ombudsman were further improved.

In particular, public groups have been created under the Ombudsman to identify and prevent cases of torture. They are responsible for revealing the facts of torture and sending petitions to the appropriate state body for their prompt elimination, as well as for participating in the consideration of appeals on cases of torture and developing methodological recommendations for the examination of cases of torture.

Another document is the Decree of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On measures to improve the activities of the Authorized Person of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Human Rights (Ombudsman) ” dated September 10, 2021. One of the main innovations of the document is that it endowed the Ombudsman with the right of legislative initiative.

This is due to the fact that the most effective proposals for the protection of human rights are formed in the daily activities of the Authorized Person for Human Rights, in direct interaction with the people, state and public organizations, the judiciary and the expert community. Problems that need to be solved also arise in this process. In this regard, the new Decree will serve to strengthen the practical significance of the institution of the Ombudsman.

The above Decree of the President also strengthens the activities of the Ombudsman in the regions. It was approved that from January 1, 2022, regional representatives of the Ombudsman will work on a permanent basis. This will help to solve problems and questions of our citizens locally.

An assessment of the effectiveness of the work of the Ombudsman in any country can be made by analyzing the statistics of appeals sent directly to him/her and their consideration. This is due to the fact that appeals are sent to the Authorized Person for Human Rights only if people have confidence in him/her.

The Ombudsman together with representatives of the public systematically organized “monitoring visits” to places of detention of persons with limited freedom of movement, and 177 monitoring visits were carried out in 2021 (76 in 2020).

During the visits, detention conditions for persons with limited freedom of movement, including housing, food, labor, the condition and quality of medical care, awareness-raising and educational work with persons with limited freedom of movement, compliance with sanitary and hygiene requirements during the coronavirus pandemic were examined, and other similar cases were studied.

It is noteworthy that during these monitoring visits, media representatives, who were given the opportunity to see the conditions in penitentiary institutions with their own eyes and personally meet with convicts and prisoners also took part.

It should be noted that the Ombudsman also took an active part in the presidential election on 24 October 2021. In particular, during monitoring visits to penitentiary institutions the Ombudsman studied the issues of equipping the polling stations in accordance with the established requirements in terms of ensuring the right of voters to vote by secret ballot without any pressure or barriers.

In order to ensure the right of voters to choose and the right of candidates to campaign, the issues of creating equal conditions for campaigning of candidates, their proxies and political parties through meetings with citizens were also studied.

At the same time, in cooperation with representatives of the Association of Disabled People of Uzbekistan, the conditions created for people with disabilities were studied. In 2021 elections, separate booths were allocated for people with disabilities. Ramps were installed at the entrances and exits, the visually impaired were provided with stencils with the Braille alphabet, sign language interpreters were involved to polling stations. As a result, the obligations enshrined in the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities were fulfilled and conditions were created for this category of citizens to exercise their electoral rights in full and on an equal basis with others.

In conclusion, it should be noted that within the framework of the Strategy of Actions significant work has been done and important steps have been taken to ensure human rights, honor and dignity, as well as to strengthen and support the activities of the Ombudsman. As a result of the reforms carried out in 2020, Uzbekistan for the first time in its history was elected to the UN Human Rights Council for a three-year term by a majority vote at the UN General Assembly. At the same time, we understand that this decision places a huge responsibility on Uzbekistan and that the protection of human rights is а continuous process.

That is why the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan has put forward the Development Strategy of New Uzbekistan for the next five years. This document, based on the new principle “human – society – state”, embodies the idea of “New Uzbekistan – People’s and Humane state”.

The Development Strategy also seeks to ensure the rights and legitimate interests of everyone through the Sustainable Development Goals, planned until 2030 and adopted on the principle of «Leave no one behind».

Undoubtedly, these results are worthy of recognition, but we still have many goals ahead. I think that the chain of reforms to ensure human rights and interests will continue to produce positive results every year.

Ukrainian tastes

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Ukrainian tastes

By Alexandra Paucescu

A few weeks ago, a friend of mine, also diplomatic spouse, sent me a link to a very interesting volunteer initiative. This is how I came across this project by Maria Yemelianova, wife of a Ukrainian diplomat now posted in Germany. Then I discovered the nice lady behind it and asked her to tell me her story.

Born in Zhytomyr, not far from Ukraine’s capital, she studied international relations at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. She says: ‘there I met some true friends and most importantly, I met a handsome red-haired guy who later became my husband, my inspiration and my support.’

This is how most of our diplomatic stories begin… a girl meets a boy and then they start their diplomatic journey together.

Their first foreign assignment together started in 2019 in Berlin, the city that I have just left behind a year ago… Strangely and probably, because of the pandemic restrictions in Germany, we have never met while we were both living there, but reading her story reminded me of the city and my life in the German capital.

‘Berlin is a special city, not everyone likes it, but we fell in love with it at first sight’ she says.  ‘It’s not Kyiv, where our hearts and thoughts are, where our family is always waiting for us. However, if we could now choose from thousands of cities for the next posting, we would definitely come back to Berlin. This is the city that gives you the feeling of a real freedom. There seems to be no boundaries in thoughts, in expression of will, clothing, words and so on. Berlin is very green and it is great for a family with three children, like ours. By the way, Andriy, my youngest, was born in Berlin. Now, every time we are passing by the Charité Clinic, we recall those most pleasant moments of our life, from when he was born.’

Indeed, I always said that the cities where your children are born will forever be bound to your heart and will hold a special place in it. To me, it is Vienna, to her, it’s Berlin.

For Maria, 2022 meant the start of a terrible war in her beloved country. She confesses with emotion: ‘I was in despair, crying and constantly watching the news. My husband was always busy, so I experienced these great emotions all by myself. One day I realized that I should do something for my homeland, I should fight the enemy on my own way.’ Her touching words are an expression of her feelings for a country that is now under attack. I have seen this patriotism in many of her fellow Ukrainians over the last few months.

As cooking had been her hobby for the past 15 years and she had attended many courses and master classes, she decided to create a charity project out of it.

Maria Yemelianova

‘I was working on recipes and one day I also found a professional photographer who had nothing to do with cooking but was known in Ukraine for her photos. She agreed to help me as a volunteer and we filmed 8 recipes together. We then edited texts and translations (our cooking classes are now available in three languages ​​- Ukrainian, English and German). Almost two and a half months of productive and exhausting work paid off and now we have finally launched our charity project. All donations will go to support volunteer organizations in Ukraine, helping our army as well as civilians in the most affected areas of the country. So I’m asking everyone who reads this article not to stay indifferent and to help Ukraine in this very difficult time! You can get all information about the course on https://gurmanka.com.ua/’.

https://gurmanka.com.ua/

She tells me that her husband, Maksym is devoting all his time to work these days. ‘We all know that it is not the easiest time for us, Ukrainians, we all have to work hard to bring our victory closer’.

Maria tells me that, although busy, her husband was very supportive and helped her in everything he could, entertained the children, did translations, worked as a copywriter and so on. ‘I always feel his strong shoulder nearby. And not only is him, the whole diplomatic community are very supportive. Our friends from different countries try to donate, share information, help to solve many issues concerning Ukraine. And we are so grateful for their help.’

She is enthusiastic and involved, as much as time allows, having three small children. ‘I personally would like to do more and more every day, but for now, my options are limited. My children and husband are my main responsibility. I know that, as kids will grow up, my time for professional successes will surely come and I will also be able to do more for my country.’

Indeed, there is time, as she is young and determined to work on her own projects, besides her diplomatic duties.

‘For now, all my thoughts and prayers are with my homeland! I wish that everyone in the world knows how beautiful my Ukraine is, how rich its culture and traditions are, what a delicious cuisine it has and how much it deserves peace and prosperity!’

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.

The End of U.S. Dollar Dominance? Not So Fast

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The End of U.S. Dollar Dominance? Not So Fast

By He Jun

With the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, Western countries have imposed all-rounded sanctions on Russia. This, in turn, has had an impact on the global economic, trade, and financial systems, raising concerns in the market and academic circles about the adjustment of the global financial system. One of the main issues being debated is the status of the U.S. dollar.

Gita Gopinath, First Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned that financial sanctions against Russia by the West could gradually weaken the U.S. dollar’s role in the world, leading to further fragmentation of the international monetary system. Analysts such as Goldman Sachs economist Cristina Tessari said the actions of the United States and its allies to freeze Russia’s central bank’s foreign exchange reserves have sparked fears that countries may begin to ditch the dollar due to concerns about the power that the United States could muster thanks to the dominance of the currency.

Kenneth Rogoff, a Harvard University economics professor, said in an interview with Bloomberg that the dominance of the dollar could end within 20 years. The reason is that the U.S. and its allies have launched sanctions due to the Russia-Ukraine war, restricting Russia’s access to the dollar-dominated global financial system. This “weaponization of the dollar” will instead stimulate the acceleration of alternative solutions. Rogoff believes that the U.S. blockade or freezing of the foreign exchange reserves of the Russian central bank is undoubtedly a historic development. The preeminence of financial sanctions on Russia by the U.S.-led Western world could accelerate changes in the international financial system to compete with the U.S. dollar. While this certainly would not happen overnight, what could have taken 50 years may now only take 20 years to realize, said Rogoff.

This narrative appears to be supported by data changes in the dollar’s position in global markets. According to the IMF’s most recent Currency Composition of Official Foreign Exchange Reserves (COFER) data, the American currency’s global dollar-denominated foreign exchange reserves were USD 7,087 billion in the fourth quarter of 2021, with a market share of 59.15% in the third quarter, which had dropped to 58.81%. The dollar’s share of the global reserve currency was as high as 72% around the turn of the century. According to SWIFT’s worldwide payment data, the payment share of the U.S. dollar has declined to 38.85% in 2022.

Is the outlook for the dollar’s prospect as pessimistic as these academics and institutions predict?

ANBOUND’s founder Chan Kung holds the exact opposite view. He believes that if the global situation continues with the current development trend, the U.S. dollar will stand out in the world. If there are no exchange rate swings caused by inflation or emergency, the U.S. dollar will be in a unique position when compared to the world’s major currencies.

This begs the question, why would the future of the U.S. currency be diametrically opposed to what many feels is happening while a significant game-changing geopolitical event, especially the conflict in Ukraine, is ongoing?

The difference lies mainly in the variety of opinions on the impact of the geopolitical event of the war in Ukraine. Professor Rogoff believes that the dollar has been reduced in terms of market scale, and new currency substitutes will emerge, thereby weakening the dollar’s status. However, Chan Kung believes that the alternatives to the U.S. dollar cannot succeed, because the market of these alternatives is weak, while their social economy is turbulent, and some are even still in war zones. For these reasons, the U.S. dollar will remain strong, even becoming the sole stable international currency in circulation. All in all, geopolitical factors play an important role in global currencies, and the dollar will be supported by it.

Chan Kung noted in his article Bracing the Era of Economic Shortage, that during a period of economic uncertainty, the Anglo-American axis countries might be safer havens in the face of geopolitical turbulence. He believes that once the geopolitical war in Europe is resolved, the maritime countries and economy of the American continent would re-emerge. From the perspective of the world’s spatial pattern, conflicts and competitions are most intense in the continental region of the world, that is, the continental region where Europe, Russia, the Middle East, Central Asia, China and India are located. It would be difficult to establish buffer zones between them, hence there are direct collisions with each other. Conflicts and competitions are unavoidable and often have existed since time immemorial. The deep mutual hostility has long been recorded in the chapters of history, and the only thing lacking is often a reason for the actual friction to take place in reality.

In contrast, the geographical location of the Anglo-American axis is in the middle of the ocean. The Atlantic and Pacific routes connect the American continent and a large number of island countries and regions of different sizes, and there are often oceanic divisions between them. Historically and relatively speaking lesser enmities exist between these parts of the world, and they are mutually dependent in trade relations. Therefore, while the continental regions are experiencing violent upheaval, the Anglo-American axis, the maritime states, and the Americas have more prominent opportunities for development and enjoy greater prosperity than before.

Previously published by Modern Diplomacy

About the author:

He Jun – Partner, Director of China Macro-Economic Research Team and Senior Researcher. His research field covers China’s macro-economy, energy industry and public policy.

Kosovo a new hub of prosperity in Europe

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Kosovo a new hub of prosperity in Europe

By H.E. Dr. Dren Doli, Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo in the Kingdom of the Netherlands

Gradually, but surely, Kosovo, the youngest country in Europe, is becoming the most vibrant democracy in the region, and simultaneously transforming into a cultural and entrepreneurial hub.

Since democracy and a functioning market economy remains key to our prosperity, Kosovo in recent years showed that it can deliver on multiple fronts.

In terms of rule of law and good governance, compared to 2020, Kosovo ranked among the best reformers in the region and Europe. In the Rule of Law index, drawn up by the World Justice Project, Kosovo ranks better than all the other countries in the Western-Balkans. While freedom of press is shrinking in many parts of the world, unfortunately in some countries in Europe as well, in the 2021 World Press Freedom index, Kosovo ranks 17 places higher, better than most of the countries in the region and some EU member states. Kosovo’s progress to improve good governance mirrored in the 2021 Transparency International CPI, which rated Kosovo 17 places higher.

Kosovo shares the objectives and values of the Western and European world. Values such as democracy, freedom and equality are key to Kosovo leaders and its people who have taken upon themselves to transform Kosovo into the most prosperous and democratic country in the region.

To that aim, last week the Government of Kosovo deposited its official application to become part of the Council of Europe, showing its real commitment to human rights, rule of law and democracy. Membership in the Council of Europe reflects our determination not to shy away from challenges, but to continue to extend guarantees that make our democracy stronger, our future brighter, and our contribution to the peace and stability in the region more significant.

In terms of foreign policy priorities, Kosovo choices are clear. The membership in the European Union guides our ambition to accelerate reforms while accession to NATO, especially after the unjust war against Ukraine, has become an imperative for the security and stability of the region.

In light of the recent events in Ukraine, Kosovo joined the West and condemned in the strongest possible terms the horrible attack against Ukraine and its people, imposed sanctions to Russia and Belarus and gave its contribution in hosting Ukrainian refugees and journalists.

Kosovo has the youngest population in Europe, which is both highly qualified and ambitions to tackle the challenge of digital transformation. The country is experiencing one of the highest and the fastest growths in the region, especially in the fields related to the production of renewable energy, ICT sector and wood processing industry. Compared to 2020, Kosovo accomplished a 10.53% economic growth and created more than 25,000 new jobs. Its exports reached 83% increase while in Foreign Direct Investment increased 21% compared to 2020.

The recent inauguration of the 105 MV Selac wind farm, consisting of 27 wind turbines, a 186 million dollars project developed by the German companies and financed by a joint Israeli, German and Kosovo investors, shows the commitment of the government in finding effective ways of production of clean energy in order to leave to the future generations a liveable and healthy country. Investment in wind and solar energy allowed Kosovo to have more than 25% of the energy provided by renewable sources.

Being a young country, Kosovo is also the right place to develop innovative and creative start-up hubs. In recent years, the country experienced the birth of a growing number of start-ups. This strongly increased the opportunities of investments for EU companies in Kosovo, especially in the ICT sector. Living in a globalised world where technology and digitalisation are becoming fundamental for the welfare of people, as widely demonstrated by the Covid-19 pandemic, Kosovo has already started its process of digital transition, and slowly is becoming a hub for European companies.

Last but not least, Kosovo has a vibrant community of artisans, artists, athletes, sportswomen and sportsmen, film producers and singers. These people are active both in the country and abroad, winning many awards worldwide. Only in 2021, our Kosovo Judo Federation was able to claim 2 gold medals in the Tokyo Olympics. Both Nora Gjakova and Distria Krasniqi were awarded gold in their respective categories.

Kosovo results in cinematography and film are becoming exemplary for other countries as well.  In 2021 the film Hive by Blerta Basholli was the first movie to win all three main awards at the Sundance Film Festival and Displaced by Samir Karahoda won the Nonfiction Short Film Jury award at the same festival.

Therefore, my objective as the Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo in the Kingdom of the Netherlands is to share our story with the people of the Netherlands, present available  investment opportunities that businesses have and link our people and economies in the broadest possible terms.

Joint action against doping in cycling team takes place in six countries  

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Joint action against doping in cycling team takes place in six countries  

Judicial and law enforcement authorities in France, Belgium, Spain, Croatia, Italy, Poland and Slovenia have carried out a coordinated action against the use of illegal drugs in cycling races. Furthermore, based on a request from French authorities, the Danish Police have carried out a search at one of the Tour de France hotels in Copenhagen. The action was supported by Eurojust and Europol. 

The case was opened at Eurojust on 11 May 2022 at the request of the French authorities. The Public Prosecutor’s Office in Marseille had started an investigation into suspected doping violations involving an international cycling team owned by an Italian company.

An urgent coordination meeting was hosted by Eurojust on 16 June to facilitate judicial cooperation, including the execution of seven European Investigation Orders (EIOs) in the countries involved, and the preparation of the joint action.

Europol provided analytical support, assisted with the exchange of information and deployed officers on the spot.

In a joint action carried out from 27 to 30 June, a total of 14 locations were searched in six countries. Three people were interrogated.

In Italy, several locations were searched and a range of electronic equipment (including laptops, smartphones, hard disks and pen drives), pharmaceutical substances and supplements were seized.

In Belgium, a computer, a mobile phone and capsules with undetermined content were seized in one house search.

In Poland, one house search was carried out. A series of electronic devices and pharmaceutical substances were seized.

In Slovenia, 412 capsules with undetermined brown content and 67 capsules with undetermined white content were found, and one mobile phone was seized in a house search.

In Spain, houses and premises were searched and electronic devices were seized.

Based on a letter rogatory (letter of request) from French authorities, the Danish Police carried out a search at a hotel in Brøndby, a suburb of Copenhagen.

The following authorities were involved in the operations:

  • France: PPO PSP (Health Crime Unit) of Marseille and OCLAESP (Central office combatting crimes against the environment and public health)
  • Belgium: Federal prosecutor’s office and the federal judicial police of Brussels
  • Denmark: Copenhagen Police
  • Spain: Investigative Court num. 8 in Alicante; International Cooperation Section of the Prosecutor’s Office in Alicante; Judicial Police Unit of Policía Nacional in Alicante
  • Croatia: County State Attorney’s Office in Rijeka
  • Italy: PPO Brescia and Carabinieri for the Protection of Public Health (NAS) Units of Brescia, Roma and Ragusa
  • Poland: The Circuit Prosecutor’s Office and City Police in Łódź
  • Slovenia: District Court and Slovenian Police

The International Criminal Court at 20

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The International Criminal Court at 20

The International Criminal Court will organise an online conference as part of the Court’s activities for the 20th anniversary. The conference “International Criminal Court at 20: Reflections on the Past, Present and Future”, will take place from 09:30 to 18:00 on Friday, 1 July 2022, and webcast live in English, French and Spanish on the ICC’s YouTube channel.

Join the discussion on the ICC’s Facebook Event and browse the exciting line-up of conference panel experts on the ICC’s 20th anniversary webpage.

The conference will be an occasion to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the International Criminal Court as one of the permanent pillars of the international legal system. The entry into force, on 1 July 2002, of the ICC’s founding treaty, the Rome Statute, enabled the commencement of the Court’s operations under its mandate aimed at ensuring accountability for the gravest crimes under international law, contributing to their prevention, and providing justice to victims.

The conference will start with a keynote speech by the Chair of Rome Conference and first ICC President, H.E. Mr. Philippe Kirsch, followed by three substantive panels on various aspects on the Court’s work. Speakers will include the President, Prosecutor and Registrar of the ICC, the President of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute, the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the ICC’s Trust Fund for Victims, the President of the International Criminal Court Bar Association, as well leading academics, civil society experts and practitioners.

The conference will allow for in-depth discussions on the different aspects of the Court’s concrete operations, from the earliest reports of alleged crimes to final judgments and the reparation of victims. It will also be an occasion for reflections on how well the ICC has met expectations, as well as what main trends can be discerned for the further development of the international criminal justice system going forward.

Eurojust supports action against use of illegal emission devices in South Korean cars

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Eurojust supports action against use of illegal emission devices in South Korean cars

Supported by Eurojust, authorities in Germany and Luxembourg have carried out a coordinated action against the use of illegal emission devices in cars produced by two South Korean companies. During an action day, eight searches were carried out and communication data, software and planning documents were seized.

Today’s coordinated action follows the General Public Prosecutor’s Office in Frankfurt am Main’s investigation of suspected fraud and air pollution, as well as the aiding and abetting of those responsible for the automobile companies and automotive supplier group.

By 2020, the manufacturing companies had brought onto the market more than 210 000 diesel vehicles, which were allegedly equipped with illegal emission tools – so-called ‘defeat devices’. These devices were responsible for interfering with or disabling exhaust gas cleaning mechanisms, causing the vehicles to emit significantly more nitrogen oxides while in operation than legally permitted.

Customers who bought the vehicles were deceived, having not been informed that the vehicles failed to meet the emissions requirements. All car models with 1.1 l, 1.4 l, 1.6 l, 1.7 l, 2.0 l and 2.2 l diesel engines were affected.

In an action day coordinated by Eurojust on 28 June, business premises in eight properties across Germany and Luxembourg were searched. The searches were carried out by approximately 180 investigators from the Hessian Police and the General Public Prosecutor’s Office in Frankfurt am Main, and 14 members of the Service de Police Judiciaire, Section Entraide Judiciaire Internationale and Section Nouvelles Technologies, in Luxembourg.

One focus of the measures was in the Rhine-Main area. Various pieces of evidence, including communication data, software and planning documents, have been seized.

The German authorities initiated the investigation in June 2019, and the case was opened at Eurojust in 2022. Eurojust enabled the cooperation of the various authorities involved during the action day.

The following authorities took part in the operations:

Germany: General Public Prosecutor’s Office Frankfurt am Main, Hesse State Police

Luxembourg: Service de Police Judiciaire, Section Entraide Judiciaire Internationale and Section Nouvelles Technologies 

Ceremony of Merit for Departing Ambassador Irene Mkwawa Kasyanju

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Ceremony of Merit for Departing Ambassador Irene Mkwawa Kasyanju

A Ceremony of Merit to honour the Ambassador of Tanzania in the Netherlands and Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps H.E. Ms Irene Florence Mkwawa Kasyanju.

The ceremony was held at the Leonardo Royal Hotel in The Hague on 21 June 2022. Diplomat Magazine presented a Certificate of Merit to H.E. Irene Florence kwawa Kasyanju, Ambassador of the United Republic of Tanzania in recognition of her outstanding contribution to strengthening Tanzania’s bilateral ties with the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and for promoting strategic diplomatic engagement.

Further, for her significant involvement with international organizations, for her exceptional performance during her stint as Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps, for supporting  the Dutch-Tanzanian community and in gratitude for her support to the diplomatic community at large and the Media.

H.E. Ms. Sahar Ghanem, Ambassador of Yemen during her touching and personal speech honouring her friendship and solid ties with Ambassador Kasyanju.
H.E. Ms Odette Melono, Deputy Secretary General OPCW.

On the program, rendition of Tanzania National Anthem Mungu ibariki Afrika, followed by the  Netherlands’ National Anthem, Wilhelmus. Eulogiums were delivered by Her Excellency, Sahar Ghanem, Ambassador of Yemen and by Her Excellency, Odette Melono, Deputy Director General of the OPCW. Both ladies lauded the wonderful and altruistic personality of Ambassador Irene Mkwawa Kasyanju and how pleasurable it has been to work with her.

Part of the attendees to the Ceremony of Merit for Ambassador of Tanzania.

Dr Mayelinne De Lara, Publisher of Diplomat Magazine presented the Certificate of Merits along with a flower bouquet to the departing Ambassador.

In her acceptance speech Ambassador Irene kwawa Kasyanju, noted, time flies fast. “In October 2015 I set foot in this beautiful country to serve as Ambassador of the United Republic of Tanzania in the Netherlands. Less did I know that I would stay for 6 years and 8 months! My successful discharges would not have been possible without the unwavering support I received from the Diplomatic Corps, the Dutch government and the business community.”  

Dr Mayelinne De Lara, Publisher of Diplomat Magazine presented the Certificate of Merits along with a flower bouquet to the departing Ambassador.

“I am indebted to many individuals, companies, and organizations for supporting me during my time here in the Netherlands. I am equally grateful to my colleagues from the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Kingdom of the Netherlands as well as several media channels such as Diplomat Magazine for their support.”

“I wish to end my remarks with a note that I came here as a stranger, but I am leaving as a friend and family. Bidding farewells to friends and family is never easy, but life has its destiny too. I will always treasure our friendship and those good memories of this splendid country.”  

The Ambassador of Egypt, H.E. Mr. Hatem Abdelkader, H.E. Mrs. Rawan Suliaman, Head of Palestine Mission and the Ambassador of Tunisia H.E. Mr. Slim Ghariani during the ceremony.
listening to the speeches, Ceremony of Merit Ambassador of Tanzania.

Dozens of Ambassador Mkwawa Kasyanju’s colleagues and friends came by to say goodbye and offered her gifts and flower bouquets. Among the attendees’ Ambassadors and diplomats from Palestine, Yemen, Morocco, Tunisia, Cuba, Burundi, South Africa, Algeria, Egypt, OPCW, diplomats from Nigeria and Vietnam, families and staffers of the embassy of Tanzania.  

Diplomat Magazine thanked  Leonardo Royal Hotel for their valuable and constant support in making this event possible and for their continuous collaboration in Diplomat Magazine’s events.    The ceremony concluded with a reception and savouring a stylish cake in the Tanzanian national colours made by Marta Orban, from Sweet & Spice.                                       

H.E. Irene Florence Mkwawa Kasyanju, Ambassador of Tanzania and H.E Mr. Gamaliel Nkurunziza, Ambassador of the Republic of Burundi.
H.E. Ms. Irene Florence Mkwawa Kasyanju, Ambassador of Tanzania, Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps with her husband and daughter.

Certificate of Merit – Ceremony of Merit- Farewell ceremony

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