Thailand recognizes Catholic churches after 93-year wait

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Thailand recognizes Catholic churches after 93-year wait

The recognition of worship places seeks to promote religious harmony and moral education, says culture minister

UCA News (27.08.2022) – https://bit.ly/3pV3Rki – The government of Thailand has officially recognized three Catholic churches after a 93-year wait in a bid to foster religious harmony in the Buddhist-majority nation, says a report.

The Ministry of Culture officially approved nine religious places of worship on Aug. 23, which included 3 Catholic Churches and 6 Buddhist temples, the Thai Post reported.

Itthiphol Khunpluem, Minister of Culture highlighted the recognition of churches as a move to address the need for religious harmony.

“This certification of the Catholic Church is considered a way to promote and foster religions in Thailand, to appropriate them in line with the current situation,” Khunpluem said.

The minister also added that the move is to encourage people to have places for their religious activities and, “receive education and instill morals that are correct according to religious principles.”

The Cultural Ministry has approved Saint Thomas the Apostle Church in Bangkok, Saint Monica Church in Nan Province, and Saint Joseph the Worker Church in Phrae Province.

The kingdom recognized only 57 Catholic churches until 1929. With the latest approvals, the count has now risen to sixty.

In 2021, the Thai Cabinet approved a formal law to enable the approval of religious places of worship.

The decree states that a new parish can be established only if it has a permanent resident priest and a minimum of 200 parishioners who can support the parish.

Under exceptional circumstances, a diocese can request that the criteria – resident priest and the minimum number of faithful – be waived.

The provisions of the law state that the list of parishes thus established shall be released annually by the Religions Department and have up to 2 years to seek approval.

The Social Communication Commission of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Thailand welcomed the new decree in 2021, stating that the recognition addresses the need of “the current situation and provides greater certainty and guarantees for the future” for the Catholic Church in the country.

As of 2019, Thailand has some 388,000 Catholics, forming roughly half a percent of some 69 million in the Buddhist-majority nation.

Catholic Church in Thailand has two archdioceses, nine dioceses, and 502 parishes.

Photo: The St. Michael the Archangel Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Tharae Nongsaeng of Thailand. The Buddhist-majority nation has officially recognized total of 60 Catholic churches so far. (File photo)

Eritrea seizes control of Catholic-owned college

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Eritrea seizes control of Catholic-owned college

The Eritrean government has seized control of a Catholic-owned technical school, sources have told the BBC

By Teklemariam Bekit, BBC News Tigrinya

Eritrea Hub (26.08.2022) – https://bit.ly/3RqOQ5l – The Eritrean government has seized control of a Catholic-owned technical school, sources have told the BBC.

The Hagaz Agro-Technical School (*) is run by the LaSalle Brothers organisation and has been providing training in farm machinery, rearing of crops and animals, as well as soil conservation for the last 23 years.

The school is also known for producing Shalku wines, the drink grappa and jam. From its dairy cattle it produces yoghurt and cheeses. Another Catholic-owned training college, the Don Bosco Technical School in Dekemhare, is set to be handed over to the government in September.

In 2019, the Eritrean government took control of secondary schools and health facilities run by religious bodies across the country.

The government cited a regulation passed in 1995 that limited the activities of religious institutions in the Horn of Africa nation. Eritrean bishops objected to the regulation, arguing that the church’s social services did not act in opposition to the government. The Catholic Bishops Conference of Eritrea wrote to the Eritrean government, saying “the Church’s life is connected with the service of the people”.

The bishops have repeatedly called on the Eritrean government to nurture an inclusive democracy and end authoritarian tactics. Many analysts believe the latest seizures are a retaliation for the Catholic Church’s call for reforms in the one-party state.

Roman Catholics make up about 4% of Eritrea’s population. The church is one of only four religious groups allowed to operate in the country, along with the Eritrean Orthodox, Evangelical Lutheran, and Sunni Islam groups.

Other religious groups are viewed by the government as foreign agents.

Photo: AFP Copyright: AFP

(*) The La Salle Agro-Technical school of Hagaz is situated in the Gash-Barka region of Eritrea. This real dream, an oasis in a barren land, was realized under the guide of Brother Amilcare Boccuccia, and since 1999 has been providing high quality education in Agronomy and Veterinary Science.

At present, the school accommodates about 300 young male and female students coming from almost all the nation’s ethnic groups.

Modern and well-equipped computer laboratory give the student the opportunity of taking advantage of the most recent way of teaching.

The Embassy Festival Presents the Best of 50 Countries

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The Embassy Festival Presents the Best of 50 Countries

An eclectic cultural melting pot

On Saturday the 3rd of September, The Hague – The city of peace and justice – shows its true spirit of bringing and working together over fifty nationalities, through sharing their finest foods, musicians and performers. With surprising and impressive artists like Lambert, The Breath, Wlodek Pawlik Trio and Sindicato Sonico. The participating countries present their best at the free to visit Embassy Festival on the Lange Voorhout in the city centre. The variety of undiscovered foods, music and experiences is dazzling. At our Embassy Tour on Friday the 2nd of September you’ll be guided to the Embassies itself and exclusively invited to experience their hospitalities in house.

Three theme stages with great international performances (more artist info online)

The River Stage presents a broad variety of classical, traditional and new music, lean back and enjoy Lambert and The Breath. As where The Mountain Stage program will make you dance with Sindicato Sonico and Zuco 103. Around the Creative Arena visitors will have a chance to devour dance, music and theatre from all over the world.

At the Indonesian stand, Embassy Festival 2021.

Learning by tasting

Taste the world as you walk past all the culinary delights that the embassies have prepared. Learn about the countries as you stroll through the international market. Enlighten your senses as you are dazzled by world music and dance performances on our stages. Even your children are welcome to join and play at the kids compound.

Back to reality

After 2 years of having to adapt the festival to comply with the pandemic restrictions, Embassy festival 2022 will be back in its original format. An open and free event for everybody to attend. We invite you all to join in sharing your culture with the world and open up to meeting and understanding other cultures.

Embassy Festival Participating Countries

In 2019 the festival welcomed 60.000 visitors from all ages. The cultural (music, dance, theatre etc.) and culinary richness of lots of different countries (more than 50) will transform the Lange Voorhout into a sea of culture, which will almost feel like a holiday itself. Expect to travel through countries such as Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Brazil, Croatia, Curaçao, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Estonia, Georgia, Ghana, Guatemala, Haiti, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Israel, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kosovo, Laos, Latvia, Lithuania, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Nepal, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Rep. Korea, Rwanda, Serbia, Slovenia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Tunisia, Ukraine, Vietnam and Yemen.

Embassy Festival

EMBASSY FESTIVAL

Saturday 3 September | 12.00 – 20.00 hrs | Lange Voorhout, The Hague | Free

More information on the festival: WWW.EMBASSYFESTIVAL.COM

First Diplomatic Reception at Haagse Veteranen Sociëteit

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First Diplomatic Reception at Haagse Veteranen Sociëteit

A new activity which fits the tradition of the Haagse Veteranen Societeit (Hague Veterans Club) was a reception for the military attaches during the Netherlands Veterans Day in The Hague. The Hague as the United Nations city of Peace and Justice annually honors the Dutch veterans during Veterans Day, which for the first since the Covid was held on Saturday the 25th of June.

Veterans Day is the national event where the whole of The Netherlands thanks more the than 100.000 veterans who have served in the service of peace, now and in the past. Since 2005 Veterans Day is being organized in The Hague on the last Saturday of June.

Sunny weather was the perfect backdrop for the large scale military parade in front of His Majesty King Willem-Alexander. Participating were both serving military as well as veterans. Representatives and their spouse of various embassies visited The Hague Veterans Club, including the ambassador of Argentine and former president of the Veterans Platform  Major-General (ret) Leen Noordzij. Military representatives from countries such as Indonesia, Belgium, France, Germany and the United States enjoyed the day.

The reception took place at Indonesian Restaurant Poentjak at Kneuterdijk owned by Mr. Tom Tompul, who is also the gracious host for almost 20 years of the monthly gathering of The Haagse Veteranen Societeit. The latter being part of Stichting Herdenking Veteranen (Foundation Commemoration Veterans).

Anne-Marie Descôtes takes over the reins of Quai d’Orsay’s general secretariat

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Anne-Marie Descôtes takes over the reins of Quai d’Orsay’s general secretariat

Tuesday, 30 August 2022, Paris, French Republic: Ambassador of France, Anne-Marie Descôtes, took office seconding French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna at the Ministry of European and Foreign Affairs in the capacity of the ministry’s secretary-general. 

Descôtes thus becomes the first female to occupy the post since it was created back in 1915, and entrusted to then diplomat Jules Cambon. She succeeds her colleague François Delattre who had served in the position since 1 July 2019. The Secretary-General is the highest as a civil servant within Quai d’Orsay, and second in rank after the minister herself. 

This function is a specificity of the French administration, and reflects the need for coordination and unity of action specific to the European and Foreign Affairs department. The position generally ensures the smooth running of the ministry, and replaces the minister in all her duties. She likewise sways a moral role as head of the corps of all diplomats, and it is she who most often receives foreign ambassadors accredited to the French Republic. 

Before returning to Paris, Anne-Marie Descôtes (b. 5 December 1959 in Lyon) represented France in Germany since June 2017 and up to end of August 2022. Customarily her new capacity is accorded to an ‘Ambassadeur/Ambassadrice de France‘, a rank she attained on 25 November 2020 as per presidential decree. 

Before departing Germany, German Federal President Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier presented her with the Federal Order of Merit on Tuesday, 23 August. 

Image courtesy of the French Embassy in Germany – Ambassade de France en Allemagne 

Eurojust supports action against large-scale VAT fraud to the EU

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Eurojust supports action against large-scale VAT fraud to the EU

Authorities in Hungary, Austria, the Czech Republic and Poland have dismantled a criminal network involved in a large-scale VAT fraud concerning tobacco smuggling. The estimated damage caused by the tax evasion to the European Union budget amounts to over EUR 8 750 000.

In an action supported by Eurojust and Europol, one suspect was arrested. Over EUR 750 000, 7 high-value cars and 49 very high-value wristwatches were seized.

According to the investigation, an organised crime group (OCG) regularly and illegally delivered large quantities of cigarettes produced in the United Arab Emirates to Hungary.

In March 2021, the Hungarian Tax and Customs Administration seized nearly 23 million cigarettes in unsealed boxes that had arrived by plane from Dubai to the airport of Debrecen in Hungary. The Hungarian authorities intercepted the cargo when it was leaving the airport in trucks with Polish license plates. It is believed that there were two similar deliveries on 29 January and 26 February 2021.

The economic disadvantage caused by the illegal importation of cigarettes has been estimated at around EUR 8 750 000.

The case was opened at Eurojust by the Hungarian authorities in May 2021. The Agency actively facilitated cross-border judicial cooperation between the national authorities involved, including the execution of European Investigation Orders (EIOs) and the organization of a joint action day on 16 August.

Europol provided additional analytical support to the investigation, facilitated the exchange of information and supported the law enforcement authorities.

As a result of the cooperation, one suspect has been arrested. Over EUR 750 000 in several currencies, 7 high-value cars and 49 very high-value wristwatches were seized in Hungary. International and European Arrest Warrants (EAWs) have been issued against three more suspects still at large.

The following authorities took part in the operations:

• Hungary: Chief PPO of County Hajdú-Bihar; Hungarian Tax and Customs Administration

• Austria: CPPOCECC; PPO Innsbruck; Federal Ministry of Finance – Customs Office Innsbruck and Financial Criminal Authority

• Czech Republic: Municipal PPO in Prague; Police of the Czech Republic, Regional Headquarter for Prague, Economic Crime Unit

• Poland: PPO Łódź and Sosnowiec. 

Barbados to Establish the World’ First Embassy in the Metavesre

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Barbados to Establish the World’ First Embassy in the Metavesre

By Roy Lie Atjam

The Government of The Unitary Parliamentary Republic of Barbados has approved the establishment of the World’s First Metaverse Embassy. Establishing an embassy in the metaverse – a virtual world – is an innovative move and a world-first for a government.

The Government of Barbados will continue to establish and maintain physical embassies however will use the Metaverse Embassy as an opportunity to pioneer the evolution of global diplomacy beyond the physical world. Barbados is an active member of CARICOM.

Metaverse is a Virtual world !

Metaverse is a virtual-reality space where users can interact within a computer-generated environment with other users.

After speaking to the Barbados Government Special Envoy, H.E. Ambassador Gabriel Abed, he furnished me with the following information: “November 14, 2021 – On August 12 2021, the Government of Barbados’ Cabinet approved the establishment of the world’s first Metaverse Embassy.

Establishing an embassy in the metaverse – a virtual world – is an innovative move and a world-first for a government.

Barbados’ Metaverse Embassy will be at the centre of activities to advance the growth of stronger bilateral relationships with governments globally. It launches in the wake of Covid-19 disrupting traditional diplomatic channels, and at a time when Barbados is reimagining itself as a world hub for digital transformation and technology innovation.

The Government of Barbados is very pleased to announce the launch of its Metaverse Embassy initiative, said Senator Jerome Walcott, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade. This platform will be an important forum where Barbados will work with our traditional partners and new allies to deepen engagement in the diplomatic arena; the investment, business, tourism and cultural sectors; and people-to-people interaction. Barbados looks forward to welcoming the world in its Metaverse Embassy.

The Metaverse Embassy is being championed by Barbados’ Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, H.E. Gabriel Abed, who is also a world-renowned pioneer in the field of Central Bank Digital Currency and blockchain technology.

The Metaverse Embassy demonstrates Barbados’ leadership in pivoting diplomacy and international relations into the technology age. The Metaverse Embassy is the first phase of a multi-phased approach towards delivering digital solutions that evolve the way we interact with the world around us. This will be critical as Barbados fosters stronger relationships with technologically advanced nations, the Ambassador explained.

Although most details have not been revealed, the Ambassador did say that e-consular services will be a core feature alongside with a virtual teleporter which will be built in Barbados’ Metaverse Embassy connecting all meta-worlds as a gesture of diplomatic unification between technology platforms.

We believe it is critical to build teleporters as a common access point to all of the metaverses to foster meta-diplomacy, said Ambassador Abed.

We welcome the world’s diplomatic missions to join us in establishing their embassies in the metaverse. Barbados is proud to lend our technological assistance and knowhow to governments wanting to establish their own metaverse embassy, said Minister Walcott.” The Barbados Meta Embassy is officially still to be launched.

According to Mr Mark Zuckerberg, Meta CEO, the metaverse will be mainstream 5–10 years from now.

Barbados, fondly Known as Land of The Flying Fish, takes to the Metaverse!

National Day of Fight against Terrorism in Iran

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National Day of Fight against Terrorism in Iran

August 29 is the National Day of Fight against Terrorism in Iran. On this day in 1981,
the Mojahedin-e-Khalq Organization (AKA: MKO, MEK, PMOI) exploded the office of
the Prime Minister of Iran, and martyred President Rajai and Primer Bahonar anseveral other officials.

This was another in a series of terrorist attacks perpetrated by this group against Iranian civilians and government officials. Just two months earlier on 28 June 1981, they assassinated over 70 high-ranking officials, including the Chief of Justice, three incumbent ministers, and 27 members of the Parliament.

In a decade, they killed over 17000 innocent individuals, just because they were even
working for or supporting the government or having a beard or looking suspicious.
During its years of terror rampage against Iranian people, the MKO enjoyed support
from certain foreign countries, especially Saddam’s regime. In 1984, in the midst of
Saddam’s war against Iran, the MKO elements fled to Iraq to set up a military camp,
which was active even after Saddam’s time. They were mercenary tools in the hands
of Saddam Hussain against Iran as well as the Iraqi dissent people.

The role that the MKO elements played in Saddam’s crackdown on Iraqi Kurds and Shiite community in the 1980s and 1990s is well-known and many of them are in judicial pursuit for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Surprisingly, in almost two decades that they
openly turned their arms against Iranian and Iraqi peoples, the MKO leadership along
with many of their fellow groupers were based in the West, enjoying free-hand to
spread their cynical ideology of violence and raising funds in streets of European
capitals to finance their terrorist activities.

After Saddam was overthrown in 2003, the MKO’s members residing in the Ashraf
military camp on the outskirts of Baghdad moved to Europe to set up a similar camp
in Albania. Ironically, they called the new camp “Liberty”! Their delisting from
terrorist groups by the EU and the US, respectively in 2009 and 2012, has also further
assisted them to enhance their presence in the West.

In the past years, certain US and European politicians, including Rudy Giuliani, John
Bolton, and Mike Pompeo, made paid-appearance and paid-speeches in the MKO
gatherings to cast its legitimacy. It is ironic that the MKO started its terrorist
campaign by assassinating American servicemen in the 1970s. As observed by The
2 Guardian, the MKO buses refugees and young eastern Europeans to fill up its
events 1, and give these hired politicians a tumultuous audience.

Free movement and free-hand of the MKO leaders and members in Western
countries is nothing but a clear indication of the double standards of certain
countries toward international terrorism. History shows that there is no such thing as
a “good terrorist” or “bad terrorist.” Terrorists are blind and bite back even those
who used to feed them. It is not strange that those who once created or supported
Al-Qaeda fallen eventually victims to its terrorism. It is a matter of time to see when
the MKO turns its arms against its masters.

Pakistan:  Mango Festival National Day and National Cricket Team

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Pakistan:  Mango Festival National Day and National Cricket Team

By Roy Lie Atjam

The Hague,  4th August 2022. The Embassy of Pakistan in collaboration with the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and Diplomat Magazine organized the 18th Annual Mango Festival. The festival attracted diplomats, importers and members of the Pakistani diaspora.

H.E. Mr. Suljuk Mustansar Tarar, Ambassador of Pakistan.

The Embassy in The Hague is promoting mango the “King of Fruits”, one of the most popular and best-loved fruits worldwide, with hundreds of varieties cultivated for exportation.

“The Chargé d’ Affaires, Mr. Muhammad Wasif, welcomed the guests. While highlighting the peculiarities of Pakistani mangoes, he said that mango is considered the King of Fruits.

Around 90 tropical and sub-tropical countries, including Pakistan  grow mangoes. The provinces of Punjab and Sindh in Pakistan are growing 200 varieties of mango. Each variety comes on the market at a different time, the mango season runs from May to September.

With a two million ton yield annually, Pakistan is the 5th largest producer and the 7th largest exporter of mangoes.

The exotic Pakistani mangoes are known to connoisseurs for their particular taste, colour, delicious flavour and aroma. Over 222,000 tons are exported to Europe, the Americas, Asia and the middle east. Pakistan earns around 165 million US.$ from mango export.

The most famous varieties extensively grown in Pakistan are Chaunsa, Anwar Ratol, Sindhri, Fajri etc.

In conclusion, guests were served Chaunsa mangoes and other mango delicacies.”

Pakistan  Independence Day Flag Hoisting Ceremony

Charge d ‘ Affaires Mr Muhammad Wasif raises the national flag.

The month of August has been an eventful one. Apart from the Mango Festival, the Embassy also observed a flag hoisting ceremony in connection with its 75th Anniversary of Independence, it’s diamond jubilee of Independence. the ceremony took place at Pakistan House on 14th August 2022.

Charge d’Affair Ambassador and members of their family.

Hundreds of Pakistani and friends flock to Pakistan House for the flag hoisting ceremony and to catch a glimpse of “The Boys in Green” which is the Pakistan National Cricket Team.

Independence Day celebrations in Pakistan: the State Bank of Pakistan has released a commemorative banknote of Rs75 to mark the 75th anniversary of Pakistan.

The Independence Day celebrations began early Sunday morning with a 31-gun salute in the federal capital and a 21-gun salute in all provincial capitals. The main feature of the celebrations was the flag-hoisting ceremony at the president’s house in Islamabad.

Pakistan’s President  Arif Alvi was set to confer civil awards on Pakistani citizens and foreign nationals for showing excellence and courage in their respective fields.

The Boys in Green Pakistan National Cricket Team

The Pakistan National Cricket Team toured the Netherlands to play three One Day International (ODI) matches 17 – 19  August 2022. Venue, the grounds of  V.O.C., Rotterdam. The Pakistan Embassy in the Netherlands was delighted to welcome the Pakistan squad for 3 ODI’s.

The Pakistan  team showed its magic, Pakistan won the 3-match series 3–0

It has been a great honour for the Embassy to host the Pakistan National Cricket Team on the momentous occasion of Pakistan @ 75.

We are proud to be Pakistani!  One Nation One Passion One Pride !

Inauguration Exhibition Touched By Nature by The Amazonian School of Arts 

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Inauguration Exhibition Touched By Nature by The Amazonian School of Arts 

By Roy Lie Atjam

The Hague, 16th August 2022. Ms Jacqueline Meier, Director of the Atrium City Hall, welcomed one and all to the Atrium, next, Mr Jan Van Zanen, Mayor of The Hague, expressed his gratitude for having such an exceptional exhibition in The Hague, the city of peace and justice.

Mr Jan Van Zanen, Mayor of The Hague.

The next speaker at the opening was Mr Jan Paul Buijs, Representative of the  Picaflores Foundation. The time was now for H.E. Ms Marisol Flavia Aguero Colunga, Ambassador of Peru, to inaugurate the exhibition, Touched by Nature by the Amazonian School of Arts. The exhibition is in cooperation with Picaflores Foundation and Atrium City Hall in The Hague.

Ambassador Marisol Flavia Guero Colunga delivered the following speech.

“It is an honor for the Embassy of Peru, in association with Picaflores Foundation and the Atrium City Hall, to welcome you to this unique exhibition of 18 painters of the Neo-Amazonian School of Art from the city of Pucallpa, Peru, exhibition organized to raise awareness of the little known and fragile ecosystem of the Cerrado Savanah, located in the Brazilian highlands, as well as of the Amazonian forest, which are interdependent.

I would like to thank Mister Jan van Zanen, for his kind words – I know that you keep precious memories from Peru in your heart-, as well as Miss Jacqueline Meir, for hosting this exhibition in the Atrium City Hall, an important forum of Cultural and Social Activities in The Hague. I also want to express my gratitude to Mister Jan Paul Buijs, Representative of Picaflores Foundation, for the organization of this wonderful exhibition, and to Mister Luc Vankrunkelsven, a prominent researcher on agricultural issues and author of several books on the Cerrado ecosystem, for joining us today.

In this short speech I would like to refer to the Peruvian Amazonian Forest and to the Peruvian painters participating in this exhibition.

62% of the Peruvian territory is covered by the Amazonian Forest, one of the most biologically diverse areas on the planet. Although there are still many zoological and botanical species to be discovered and scientifically classified, so far we know that we have there 15 thousand animal species and more than 20 thousand botanical species, including medicinal plants.

In order to properly preserve this natural wealth, the Peruvian government has established more than 50 protected natural areas in the Amazonian Forest, which amounts to 10% of the Peruvian territory.

Concerning the population, it is interesting to note that, despite having the lowest population density in Peru, which is only 8%, the Peruvian Amazonian forest is the home of 64 tribes that speak 44 languages appertaining to 19 different linguistic families.

It is within that rich context, that we found a marvelous group of artists from the Usko Ayar School of Art in the city of Pucallpa, founded by the shaman and visionary artist Pablo Amaringo. I refer to the painters of the Neo-Amazonian style. And I welcome the presence of Mrs. Mita Lozano, one outstanding representative of them. Through their art, whose origins date back to the Amazonian cave paintings, they introduce us to a universe where people live in harmony with animals, plants and rivers. Their paintings show their knowledge and traditions, and, even more importantly, they transmit a philosophy of respect to nature and the environment, raising awareness of the need to preserve the ecosystems of the Amazonian Forest and those related to them, such as the Cerrado Savannah.

For all this, I should express my warmest congratulations to the talented painters of Pucallpa that today share with us their beautiful art and wise philosophy.

Finally, I have to say that at the end of these presentations, we will be delighted to share with you Pisco Sour, the traditional Peruvian drink, as well as some Peruvian canapés.”

There was an undeniable festive atmosphere at the reception with a free flow of excellent Peruvian goodies. Members of the diplomatic community came out in strength, among them Ambassadors of Ecuador, Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Malta, Panama, Costa Rica and diplomats from Argentina, El Salvador, Chile, Poland, just to mention a few. Further friends of Picaflores came  from Brussels and Gent in Belgium, all attracted by the surpassing exhibition.

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