Empowering women through fashion

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Empowering women through fashion

By Alexandra Paucescu

I have never met Jessica in real life. We became online friends during the pandemic and we followed each other’s path on social media. Internet can sometimes bring special wonderful people into your life. She is certainly one of them. She is a beautiful young woman with such energy, that you immediately feel better when you see her. She inspires optimism through every breath and her smile is surely contagious. She is full of ideas and initiatives, like myself, and, also like me, she is the wife of a diplomat.

Jessica Cohaila, a gorgeous Peruvian brunette, was born in Tacna, a city known for its important role during the War of The Pacific (1879-1884), and studied law at The Pontifical Catholic University of Peru. It is there where she met her future husband and from where their whole ‘diplomatic adventure’ began.

She recalls those days: ‘Our first posting started in 2015. We lived in Israel for 5 years and in about 5 months from now we are going to move for our second posting, to Bern, Switzerland.  Israel will always hold a very special place in my heart and I think it will always be my home, because I’ve learned so much about life and marriage there. And of course, the cultural experience I had was just incredible’. Indeed, we all hold a special place in our hearts for our first postings, don’t we?…

But for her, leaving her independent life behind and stopping a flourishing career was hard. ‘I was used to have a job, but not just a job: I was independent in every aspect of it, since I was an associate at a law firm and had a lot of freedom.  Going to a new place where not only the law system was different but also the language was one of the hardest things that I had to go through. But it is also one of the greatest ones because it gave me the opportunity to follow a dream I always had.

I love fashion and always did, so I got the opportunity to start a second career, as a fashion designer.  I also discovered the Fashion Law, which is much more common in Europe but not in Peru. The Covid time, which was a very hard time for everyone, gave me a new opportunity, since I was not able to go back to work as a lawyer because of the quarantine. As soon as I came back home after Israel, I took the only available course in fashion law, while I was already enrolled in fashion school. I finally got the chance to embrace the idea of reinvention in every aspect of it. It really touches my heart when I read or hear this word: ‘reinvention’.

I can see she is passionate about the subject and, while I closely followed her on-line presence for the last couple of years, I could see her evolution, her hard work and determination to succeed.

She tells me: ‘Fashion industry can be a very controversial topic sometimes. I think most people do not understand the process behind the scenes, the hard work and the difference you can make with it. I believe people just see the superficial side, like the models, the stereotypes, the climate contamination, which of course is real but it is also in our hands to change things like this. I see fashion as art and as a way to express ourselves. The message you can send not only through clothes but through magazines, fashion shows or exhibitions can really make a difference.  Take Coco Chanel, for example… she did so many things for us, she really changed the way we dress today and also she was a woman entrepreneur in a very patriarchal era. Nowadays we have Alessandro Michele, who is the former creative director of Gucci, giving the opportunity to mix clothes with history and also making genderless clothes more common.  I could go on like this for hours, talking about amazing people to whom we owe a lot of the stylistic freedom we have today. History and fashion sometimes go hand by hand’.

Today, clothes can make powerful statements and are often used as soft diplomacy tools. She must be an expert in it. She also creates original patterns and designs and she hopes that one day she will become a fashion editor and maybe even have her own fashion magazine.

‘I love fashion and I firmly believe that through it we can have the chance to make a difference’, she says. She also adds that people should find out more about our own work, dreams and activities. ‘I think people should know more about our work ‘behind the scenes’, how we manage to reinvent ourselves, not only how we support our diplomat partners. So many things that people just don’t see. And maybe letting people know a little bit more about what we do can help not only each other but other people that probably are going through similar experiences’.

That’s how she is, always solar and willing to help others. ‘Every work that I do, every mood board, every pattern is just to empower women (and also men, why not?)’. ‘Empowering women through fashion ‘is my life motto these days… so that they can be whoever they wish to be and not be afraid to do it. I strongly believe I can do it through fashion’.

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 Netherlands and Latvia – Centuries of strong relations being continued

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The Netherlands and Latvia – Centuries of strong relations being continued

By H.E. Ms. Claudia Pieterse, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the Republic of Latvia

Last year, shortly after Russia’s illegal and unprovoked invasion in Ukraine, Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs Wopke Hoekstra travelled to Riga. Here he stood shoulder to shoulder with his Latvian colleague, Minister of Foreign Affairs Edgars Rinkēvičs. Strongly united in their support for Ukraine and in the protection of freedom and democracy. During this meeting, Minister Hoekstra underlined that  “the Netherlands will always continue to support Latvia and the other Baltic countries”. The Netherlands’ role in the security of this region is an active and committed one, for years already. Next to that, it is pursuing joint opportunities in the area of renewable energy and sustainability, reflecting the significant climate ambitions of both countries. Building upon 800 years of bilateral relations. 

Since Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine, the bond between Latvia and the Netherlands has grown even stronger. We stand together in condemning Russia’s illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine and are united in our unwavering support to Ukraine. We are joint in protecting the fundamental values of freedom and democracy, human rights and rule of law. Working together on this as partners in the EU, NATO, UN and other multilateral fora.

In the Baltic region, the Netherlands has taken on a committed and active role in security. The Dutch Navy is often exercising in the Baltic Sea. Our ships and sailors can frequently be seen in the port of Riga as the Netherlands is part of the Standing NATO Maritime group and the Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group. In addition, 350 Dutch soldiers are part of the NATO Enhanced Forward Presence in neighboring Lithuania. Last but certainly not least, fighter planes of the Dutch Airforce are regularly patrolling the airspace above the Baltic countries.

Many might not know this, but the connection between the Netherlands and Latvia has been strong for centuries. In both countries, you can find traces of this historic link. For instance, in the North of the Netherlands, you can visit the Veenkoloniaal museum where you can step back in time, into the city of Riga in the 17th century. You can view old trading contracts and admire Riga silver spoons and porcelain, once brought back as souvenirs. On my travels through Latvia on the other hand, I stumbled upon old Dutch silver coins in Latvian villages, wooden structures made by Dutch shipworkers in Latvian churches and Delftware in Latvian castles.

Dutch-Latvian trade history is now better known in the Netherlands, as it is featured in the popular TV-series (and book) “The Heir”. It tells the story of Dutch trader Joan Münninghoff and his family, who ran a flourishing wood and wooden furniture company in Riga before WWII. Yet, even centuries before Münninghoff started his business, Dutch-Latvian trade relations existed, as part of the Hanseatic trading routes. We can proudly speak of more than 800 years of bilateral trade relations.

Today, the Netherlands is still one of the most important investors in Latvia. Dutch companies are active in a variety of sectors. From transportation to real estate, from woodworking to manufacturing and retail.

A promising new business opportunity that we, at the Dutch Embassy in Latvia, are currently pursuing is Wind Energy. Both the Netherlands and Latvia have big climate ambitions and now there is an increasing Latvian interest to explore Wind Energy possibilities, both onshore and offshore. Since the start of Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine, Latvia has been focusing on strengthening its energy independence. For a country that used to be largely dependent on Russian gas, this energy transition represents a challenge. The Netherlands, with its extensive expertise and experience in Wind Energy, can be a great partner in the development of onshore and offshore wind parks in Latvia.

Latvia aims to increase its wind capacity from currently approximately 70 MW to 800 MW by 2030. In addition, the country plans to open the “ELWIND” tender, a 1 GW cross-border offshore project in collaboration with Estonia.

H.E. Ms. Claudia Pieterse, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the Republic of Latvia.

Last year, a delegation of Dutch Wind Energy companies visited Latvia, exploring opportunities and making key connections with local businesses. In return, a Latvian delegation visited the Netherlands, to see Dutch examples of Wind Energy for themselves. This year, we will follow up with another trade mission to Latvia in April, further advancing our cooperation on Wind Energy.

In line with our mutual climate ambitions, we work on activities in Sustainable and Smart mobility. Of course the Dutch are widely known for cycling, also in Latvia. To build on this, we connect Dutch companies to Latvian stakeholders. Last year, the embassy organized a study trip to the Netherlands for the Mayor of Riga and his mobility experts to learn more about Dutch best practices in cycling and mobility and to meet with Dutch companies active in this area. He gained real practical insights, even biking through Rotterdam himself and experiencing mobility solutions firsthand.

It is not strange that so many Dutch companies have found their way to Latvia. The familiarity with the Netherlands is striking in this part of Europe. The nearness of the sea with its wide sandy beaches and the long horizons with green farmland and forests. I can even ride my bike to work through the city of Riga, just like I would do through the city of The Hague. It is a true privilege for me to further build on the many centuries of rich relations between the Netherlands and Latvia.

National Authorities of the Ukraine joint investigation team sign Memorandum of Understanding with the United States Department of Justice

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National Authorities of the Ukraine joint investigation team sign Memorandum of Understanding with the United States Department of Justice

MoU formalises and facilitates coordination between the JIT member countries and the US in their respective investigations and prosecutions          

The Hague, 4 March 2023

The seven national authorities participating in the Eurojust supported joint investigation team (JIT) on alleged core international crimes committed in Ukraine have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United States Department of Justice. This MoU will enhance the coordination between the JIT partner countries and the US authorities in their respective investigations in connection with the war in Ukraine.

The MoU was signed on Friday 3 March by high-level representatives of the prosecution services of the seven JIT partner countries and United States Attorney General Merrick B. Garland.

Commenting on the signing of the Memorandum, Eurojust President Mr Ladislav Hamran said: ‘This Memorandum of Understanding clearly demonstrates that the wish to make justice prevail transcends national and continental borders. While we are united in our ambitions, we also need to be coordinated in our efforts – and that is precisely what this Memorandum will help us achieve. The JIT partner countries and the US can count on Eurojust’s continued support to reap the full benefits of their cooperation.’

‘I am pleased that the United States will be the first country to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with all seven JIT members’, said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. ‘This historic Memorandum of Understanding will formalize and facilitate coordination between the United States and JIT member countries on our investigations and prosecutions of atrocity crimes stemming from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. It is also a signal to the world that the perpetrators of this invasion will not undermine our shared values of a free and democratic society.’

The main purpose of the MoU with the United States is to facilitate closer coordination between the investigations and prosecutions carried out by all national authorities concerned. The MoU enables practical arrangements for cooperation, information exchange and the participation of the United States’ authorities in coordination meetings organised with Eurojust’s support.

Within one month after the start of the war in Ukraine, Eurojust actively supported the setting up of the JIT by the Lithuanian, Polish and Ukrainian authorities on 25 March 2022. The Office of the Prosecutor at the International Criminal Court became a participant in the JIT on 25 April 2022. Estonia, Latvia and Slovakia joined the JIT on 30 May 2022, with Romania becoming a member on 13 October 2022.

The JIT amplifies the message that all national authorities will take every possible measure to secure evidence on alleged core international crimes committed in Ukraine and bring those responsible to justice.

United States War Crimes Accountability Team

On 21 June 2022 Attorney General Garland announced the launch of a War Crimes Accountability Team to strengthen the Justice Department’s ongoing work to hold accountable those who have committed war crimes and other crimes in Ukraine. This team brings together, among others, the department’s leading experts in investigations involving war crimes and human rights abuses.

The team provides wide-ranging technical assistance, including operational assistance and advice regarding criminal prosecutions, evidence collection, forensics and relevant legal analysis.  A central component of the team’s mission is to further ongoing investigations of potential war crimes over which the United States possesses jurisdiction, such as the killing and wounding of American journalists covering the war in Ukraine.

The cooperation and coordination with the United States authorities will be facilitated by the United States Liaison Prosecutor* at Eurojust.

Core International Crimes Evidence Database

To support the JIT and other investigations into core international crimes, Eurojust has set up a Core International Crimes Database (CICED). For more information, please consult this factsheet.

For more information on all the actions taken by Eurojust since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, please consult our dedicated webpage.

* The following ten countries have Liaison Prosecutors at Eurojust: Albania, Georgia, Montenegro, North-Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Ukraine, and the United States. 

Photo copyright: Prosecutor General’s Office, Ukraine

122nd Foundation Festival of the East Asian Association Bremen

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122nd Foundation Festival of the East Asian Association Bremen

Friday, 24 February 2023, Free Hanseatic City of Bremen, Germany: The East Asian Association Bremen (OAV) hosted its traditional foundation celebration for the 122nd time. It is part of the tradition that ambassadors from the Asia-Pacific region sign the Golden Book of the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen on this occasion. 

Kristina Vogt, Senator for Economic, Labour and European Affairs, welcomed diplomats from thirteen countries to the Senate Chamber: namely from Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Pakistan, Singapore, Thailand, Maldives and Philippines. Senator Vogt represented Mayor Dr. Andreas Bovenschulte, who was attending the peace devotion on the first anniversary of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, at the Senate’s pre-reception.

Senator for Economic Affairs Kristina Vogt said as per statement below in its original German-language version: “The East Asian Association Bremen and its foundation festival are outstanding institutions for Bremen. For more than 120 years, they have promoted the internationalisation of Bremen’s economy to a special degree. The countries of Asia are important partners for our location and dynamic drivers of innovation. Of course, Singapore in particular should be mentioned here, which is the focus of this year’s Foundation Festival.”

The traditional temple gong then called the approximately 360 guests to the banquet in the Upper Hall of the Town Hall, where they were solemnly welcomed by OAV Chairman Thomas Kriwat (Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka) through a short speech. Mayor Dr. Andreas Bovenschulte also attended the banquet, which traditionally features curry.

In his welcome address, the Mayor underlined Bremen’s connections to the world and the importance of the Foundation Festival: “I am sure that Asia will continue to gain in importance for Germany and also for Bremen in the future.” In this context, the entire Indo-Pacific region must be given greater attention, Bovenschulte said: “Here, too, Germany’s goal is to reduce dependencies, develop partnerships on an equal footing and take mutual security interests into account.” The OAV has been doing valuable work in this sense for over 120 years. With regard to the relationship with China, the mayor made it clear that in addition to economic contacts, “open political dialogue” was also needed: “Constructive where possible, critical where necessary. For despite all political differences, “it is still true that it is better to talk ‘with’ China than ‘about’ it”.

This year’s guests of honour at the Foundation Festival are the author Sabine Hein and Dr. habil May-Britt U. Stumbaum from the Bundeswehr University in Munich.

For further information 

Bremen Senate: https://www.senatspressestelle.bremen.de/pressemitteilungen/gute-verbindungen-zwischen-asien-und-bremen-418736?asl=bremen02.c.732.de

Support to operation against cryptocurrency fraud in Romania and the Republic of Moldova

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Support to operation against cryptocurrency fraud in Romania and the Republic of Moldova

The Hague, 2 March 2023

Eurojust has assisted the Romanian and Moldovan authorities with dismantling a cryptocurrency scam that has resulted in at least 32 victims, who allegedly lost approximately EUR 320 000. During a joint action day, a total of 21 perpetrators from both countries were identified and charged with swindling in Romania, and money laundering executed by an organised criminal group, in the Republic of Moldova. Eurojust supported both national authorities with setting up and funding a joint investigation team (JIT) into the case.

Based on the evidence at hand, since at least 2020, the suspects had been luring victims into making significant investments in cryptocurrencies by presenting fraudulent predictions and results via social media. For this purpose, fake accounts were created on social media platforms, which pretended to be linked to companies that in reality did not exist. Endorsements of platforms from Romanian influencers were also used to build trust.

Further, the suspects promised so-called guaranteed profits of up to 100 %. Victims subsequently made significant financial investments, which were lost in their entirety. The proceeds of the crime were transferred to Moldovan accounts, controlled by the perpetrators, where the money was laundered to conceal its criminal origin.

To facilitate judicial cooperation between Romanian and Moldovan authorities, Eurojust supported the setting up and funding of a JIT and organised two coordination meetings to coordinate the investigations. In addition, the Agency facilitated the transmission and execution of European Investigation Orders to countries not participating in the JIT.

Eurojust also facilitated the exchange of information and evidence, and coordinated the action day, during which 21 locations were searched. Various means of evidence were seized, and assets were frozen to secure the recovery of the damages caused by the criminal activity 

The operation was carried out on the ground by:

Romania: Local PPO Timisoara, Criminal Investigations Services Timiș, Iași, Constanța, Brașov, Hunedoara

Republic of Moldova: Prosecutor’s Office for Special Cases and Combatting Organized Crime, National Investigations Inspectorate within the Moldavian Police

Diplomat Magazine Chess Tournament 2023

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Diplomat Magazine Chess Tournament 2023

By Roy Lie Atjam

Chess, is it a sport or an art?  Some say it can be a sport, a science, or an art.

Diplomat Magazine organized an pre-lent chess tournament for diplomats and kiddies. The participants were chess fans of all ages, for example, the youngest participant was 6 years old. As in previous years the tournament aims to consolidate friendship and strengthen solidarity among Diplomats.

The tournament took place at Leonardo Royal Hotel in The Hague, courtesy of the Hotel, 18 February 2023. Participants came from, Albania, Algeria, Belgium, Bosnia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Finland, Italy, Japan, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Senegal, Switzerland, Thailand, Ukraine and the USA. 

The ambassadors of Algeria and Bosnia participated in the tournament. The tournament again attracted children as young as six years old. After a series of matches during which the players made their best tactical moves, Peru excelled. Senegal came second. Among the children, Philippines, Ecuador and Japan.

Chikashiro Hara, from Japan and David Izquierdo from Ecuador.
The Ambassador of Algeria, H.E. Ms. Salima Abdelhak and Col. Luigi Esposito, Military Advisor – Permanent Representation of Italy to the OPCW•Embassy of Italy.

It has been great fun, players enjoyed the networking opportunity. In the end all the players were given trophies or medals as a souvenir of the tournament.   Diplomat Magazine is looking forward to continuing to welcome diverse groups of participants, including the younger ones.    

Cecilia Maria Gonzalez Amaya, Vice-Consul, Embassy of El Salvador and Jesús Andre Hernández León, from the Consulate of Peru.
Henry Pierre Sarr, First Secretary, Embassy of Senegal and Hironori Hara, SEcond Secretary, Embassy of Japan.
Tom Vandecasteele, from Albania, First Diplomat Magazine’s Chess Champion, Roy Lie Atjam, Editor and Dr. Mayelinne De Lara, Diplomat Magazine’s Publisher.

Cuba Celebrates Liberation Day-Triunfo De La Revolucion

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Cuba Celebrates Liberation Day-Triunfo De La Revolucion

By Roy Lie Atjam

The Hague, on 10 February 2023, the Embassy of the Republic of Cuba celebrated the 64th Anniversary of the Triumph of the Cuban Revolution.

The diplomatic community was out in its numbers to join in the  celebration. To mention a few, representatives from Russia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Panama, Finland, South Africa, Belarus, Malaysia, Morocco, Pakistan and dozens of others.

H.E. Mrs Anet Pino Rivero, Ambassador  of Cuba.

In her welcome remarks, H.E. Mrs Anet Pino Rivero, Ambassador  of Cuba stated, “first, I want to send my deepest condolences to the government, people and families of victims in Turkey and Syria for the loss of human lives and material damages caused by the terrible earthquake.

The Ambassador continued, “it has been 64 years of having a free and sovereign Cuban despite economic difficulties, mainly because of 61 years of an unfair economic, financial and commercial blockade imposed against Cuba, the longest against any country in the world. However, we continue our efforts to have a country with everyone and for the good of all.”

H.E. Mr. Marcin Czeplak, Secretary General of the Permanent Court of Arbitration, H.E. Mr. Hatem Abdelkader, Ambassador of Egypt, H.E. Mr. Alexander Shulgin, Ambassador of the Russian Federation and H.E. Mr. Suljuk Mustansar Tarar, Ambassador of Pakistan.

According to the Ambassador, in 2022, Cuba was affected by a meteorological phenomenon and 243 additional measures against Cuba by the USA during the pandemic.

“In spite of all this, and with the premise of achieving the welfare of our people, Cuba continues working to achieve its development goals. We are proud of many things because Cuba preserves its achievements and has new ones.”

As for the COVID-19 dossier, Ambassador Pino Rivero shared the following information, “due to the excellent capacity and knowledge of our researchers, Cuba managed to have three own vaccines against COVID-19. More than 90% of the population, including children older than 2 years old, are fully vaccinated. Our solidarity is showed, by having more than 23,000 Cuban collaborators working in 56 nations in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean.

H.E. Mr. Ilkka-Pekka Antero Similä, Ambassador of Finland, H.E. Mr. Ziad M.D Al-Atiyah, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, H.E. Mr. José Antonio Zabalgoitia, Ambassador of Mexico and H.E. Mr. Alireza Kazemi Abadi, Ambassador of Iran.

More than 2.2 million tourists visited Cuba in 2022, which represented a growth of 400% compared to the 2021 figures.

The continued improvement of the rule of law was also important. At the end of 2022, 18 laws were approved in Cuba in order to strengthening the rights and guarantees of people.”

A traditional Cuban hospitality, Mr. Adalberto Soriano, Ambassador’ spouse, presenting a mojito to a guest.

The Ambassador was pleased to announce that last year Cuba had important visits of official Cuban delegations to many countries and others came to Cuba, “we hosted international events such as the VIII Cuba-CARICOM Summit, the IV Cuba-Health International Convention, the Havana International Trade Fair, among others.”

Cuba continues giving a great importance to the implementation of the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement between Cuba and the European Union.

H.E. Mr. Sheikh Mohamed Belal, CFC Managing Director, H.E. Ms. Aruni Ranaraja, Ambassador of Sri Lanka and H.E. Mr. Ilkka-Pekka Antero Similä, Ambassador of Finland.

“In 2022 Cuba and the Netherlands celebrated their 120th anniversary of uninterrupted diplomatic relations. These relations include bilateral political consultations, cultural, sports and academic exchanges, economic-commercial relations, and projects for coastal protection, business and others. All these relationships are based on dialogue, cooperation and respect. 

We appreciate the Netherlands´s support to Cuba against the embargo.

The economic and commercial relations between both countries are vital in these links, given the potential of the Netherlands in this sector. For this, it is important to promote investments and business opportunities in Cuba. With the experience of companies such as Womy and Nirint, it is intended to launch a digital platform that helps in this purpose.

H.E. Ms. Elizabeth Ward Neiman, Ambassador of Panama and H.E. Mr. Jaime Moscoso Valenzuela, Ambassador of Chile.

From The Hague Cuba recently started the attention to Luxembourg. We appreciate its support in our battle against the embargo and we continue working to strength and reinforce these 80 years of bilateral relations.

It also worth mentioning  the significant increase in Dutch citizens who visit Cuba, which have also contributed to the knowledge and approach between Cuban and the Dutch society. Also, the valuable Cubans who live in this country and are inserted in and contribute to the Dutch society.

H.E. Mrs Anet Pino Rivero, Ambassador  of Cuba and H.E. Mr. Mario Oyarzabal, Ambassador of Argentina.

We continue to carry out the diplomacy of dialogue, friendship, cooperation, inclusiveness and peace, with respect for the sovereignty and self-determination of the peoples. We do not doubt that a better world is possible.”

Ambassador Pino Rivero concluded her remarks with, “I´d like to thank all the Dutch friends and others that love Cuba who are here with us tonight, and helped me make this celebration possible. Thank you and enjoy“ end quote.

Amigos Latinos during their performance at Cuban National Day / Triunfo de la Revolucion 2023.

The Cuban musical group Amigos Latinos, including two singers interpreted typical Cuban music. Also on the program, Rum, Mojitos, Ropa vieja, Arroz Congris and other delicasies. All these augmented contributed to the outstanding ambience.

Once again, it has been an excellent celebration of the Triumph of Cuban Revolution.

Belarus: EU prolongs restrictive measures for a year

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Belarus: EU prolongs restrictive measures for a year
The Council decided to prolong for another year the restrictive measures linked to internal repression in Belarus and regime’s support for the war against Ukraine. The decision was taken on the basis of the annual review and considering the persistent gravity of the domestic situation in the country and Belarus’ ongoing involvement in the Russian aggression against Ukraine.
The measures now apply until 28 February 2024. Since August 2020, the EU has imposed successive rounds of sanctions, against those responsible for internal repression and human rights abuses in Belarus and in the context of Belarus’ involvement in Russia’s war against Ukraine, thereby signalling to the political and economic actors responsible that their actions and support for the regime and to the Russian Federation came at a cost.
The restrictive measures consist of a ban on travel to the EU and an asset freeze for listed persons – currently 195 individuals, including Alexandr Lukashenko – and an asset freeze applicable to 34 entities.
In addition, EU persons and entities are forbidden from making funds available to those listed, either directly or indirectly. Belarus also remains subject to targeted economic sanctions, including restrictions in the financial sector, trade, dual-use goods, technology and telecommunication, energy, transport and others.The EU condemns in the strongest possible terms Belarus’ involvement in Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine.
Moreover, the EU is determined to address the human rights situation in the country and will continue to support the Belarusian people in their legitimate request for democracy, including through support to civil society and independent media.

Khojaly genocide was commemorated in Berlin

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Khojaly genocide was commemorated in Berlin

Friday, 24 February 2023, Berlin, Germany: Within the framework of cooperation with the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Germany held a commemorative event on the occasion of the 31st anniversary of the Khojaly genocide at the Azerbaijan Cultural Center located in Berlin-Tiergarten.

An exhibition dedicated to the Khojaly genocide was also organized for the visitors.

At the beginning of the event, the memory of the martyrs of the Khojaly genocide was commemorated with a minute of silence. Subsequently a short film prepared by the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Germany about the Khojaly genocide was shown.

The allocution of MP Dr. Nurlan Hasanov.

Azerbaijan’s ambassador to Germany, Nasimi Agayev, said during his speech that the Khojaly genocide was the first genocide that took place in Europe after the end of the Cold War. The ambassador highlighted that the perpetrators of this crime against humanity have not yet been brought to justice. Ambassador Agayev went on to mention that as a result of the “Justice to Khojaly” campaign launched by Leyla Aliyeva, the vice-president of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, great progress has been made in the recognition of the Khojaly genocide in the international arena, and many countries, including more than 20 US states, have officially condemned this massacre.

Noting that in 2020, Azerbaijan freed its territories from occupation and restored international law, the ambassador said that Major Polad Rzayev, major of the Red Army, who showed great bravery in liberating Jabrayil, Khojavand and Gubadli regions and the Murovdag peak, and lost both legs after falling into a mine, participated in the event. It was also noted tthat Major Rzayev was treated at the German army hospital in Berlin, and provided with prostheses. Major Rzayev was the event’s special guest. 

Also partaking was MP Dr. Nurlan Hasanov. In his speech, Nurlan Hasanov, the head of the Working Group on Azerbaijan-Germany inter-parliamentary relations of the Milli Majlis (National Assembly) of the Republic of Azerbaijan, spoke about the deep mark left by the Khojaly genocide in the memory of the Azerbaijani people, and talked about the efforts to spread the truth about the genocide in the world through the parliament.

After the speeches, a commemorative concert was held.

For further information 

Embassy of Azerbaijan in Germany (HE Ambassador Nasimi Agayev): https://berlin.mfa.gov.az/en/news/3970/berlin-gedenkt-des-31-jahrestages-des-volkermordes-in-chodschali

The concert: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFC-VpkgyVU

——

Photography by Embassy of Azerbaijan in Germany

Conversation with the NATO Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, General Christopher G. Cavoli

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Conversation with the NATO Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, General Christopher G. Cavoli

Thursday, 16 February 2022, Munich, Free State of Bavaria: The Head of the State Chancellery, Minister of State Dr. Florian Herrmann together with Bavarian Minister of the Interior Joachim Herrmann met the NATO Supreme Commander in Europe, General Christopher G. Cavoli, for talks at Prince Carl Palace.

“We have a long friendship with General Christopher Cavoli. The transatlantic partnership is the cornerstone of Bavarian security policy and is more important today than ever. The Free State of Bavaria is happy to be a second home for members of the US armed forces” – Minister of State Dr. Florian Herrmann said as per statement from the encounter. 

Christopher Gerard Cavoli is a United States Army general who serves as the commander of United States European Command since 1 July 2022, and Supreme Allied Commander Europe since 4 July 2022.

For further information U.S. European Command: https://www.eucom.mil

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