Meeting of Afghanistan’s neighbours in Tehran: Together for peace and development

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Meeting of Afghanistan’s neighbours in Tehran: Together for peace and development

By Dr. Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran

The presence of U.S. troops and their allied forces in Afghanistan, as well as their embarrassing, catastrophic departure, has left in its wake an overwhelmingly disorganized country and an agitated and anguished nation, causing an ambiguous future for a country which suffered military invasion in a modern fashion under the clichéd slogan of democratic development. 

In 2002, when U.S. warmongers were recklessly invading our region in their unilateral practice to achieve the so-called globalization under the guise of “war on terror”, there were voices which praised the insanity and envisioned a brighter future for the invaded countries. West Asia underwent developments at the time, but the developments were characterized by instability, war, and, indeed, lessons to learn. The state of affairs which has persisted to this day and has permeated the entire region has further fuelled terrorism and extremism, creating an insecure environment prone to tensions and conflict. 

This tragic period teaches a lesson to all of us in West Asia, not least to those who continue to pin their hopes on foreign powers. The lesson is the fact that outsourcing security and relying upon domineering powers is a pipe dream and an instable mirage. 

Tehran Meeting October 27, 2021 in Tehran.

This tragic history of Afghanistan’s past is reminiscent of the authentic principle that the countries in the region must join forces and respond collectively to their people’s questions and expectations and strive to create a more prosperous, secure, and stable environment. This valuable endeavor shall be materialized based not upon an imposed or hackneyed model but upon an indigenous, all-inclusive framework for regional cooperation.

Iran’s hand of friendship and brotherhood is always extended towards all countries in the region, neighbours in particular. Working in this spirit, Dr. Raisi, the president of the Islamic Republic of Iran, has started his great undertaking by placing on his agenda the formulation of a balanced, dynamic and smart foreign policy. On this new agenda, relations which neighbours and Asian countries is prioritized and the improvement of political and economic relations in the region by relying on historical, cultural, religious and geographical bonds will serve as the basis for new mobility and connectivity.  This framework demonstrates the profound belief that our commonalities in this region are much greater and stronger than our short-lived differences and grievances. 

Today, the countries in the region have learned by experience that the objectives of sustainable security, welfare, and development are achievable only through regional synergy and cooperation among neighbors. Regional cooperation is aimed at reviving the opportunities and reducing the threats caused by geographical adjacency by relying upon the moral components of neighborliness. The new round of our joint efforts on Afghanistan serves as an important test for Afghanistan’s neighbors by factoring in their extensive and diverse potentials in this regard.

The second meeting of the foreign ministers of Afghanistan’s neighbours in Tehran is a new step in diplomacy taken by the new government of Iran to improve convergence and regional bonds without the interference of foreign powers and based upon neighborliness and to lay the foundation for the participants to adopt real and practical decisions in order to assist the people of Afghanistan in resolving the current crisis in their country, including by countering insecurity and multi-dimensional threats and reducing poverty.

Today, after four decades of insecurity in the country, Afghanistan’s neighbors consider the improvement of people’s security and livelihood as the cornerstone for stability and development and the formation of an “inclusive government.”

Iran and Afghanistan are two friendly and brotherly neighbors with historical relations and abundant bonds, ranging from a shared comprehensive historical-civilizational area to religious, cultural connectivity, and the Persian language which has bonded the two countries together. 

In all sensitive and decisive stages of Afghanistan’s history, including the time of struggle and resistance against occupation, the Islamic Republic of Iran has stood with the Muslim and neighboring nation of Afghanistan. The new government of the Islamic Republic of Iran attaches great significance to this long-standing history in its foreign policy.

And it is a source of delight that today there is a greater-than-ever consensus over the importance of neighborhood policy in Iran. There is no limitation on the expansion and deepening of relations with neighbors, most notably with Afghanistan which has a special position in the Iranian foreign policy.  

Fortunately, all the neighbors of Afghanistan have this consensus that the country must be purged of insecurity and instability, that it should become a center for constructive and productive activities, and that the Afghan soil should not be used to launch threats against neighboring countries. As a pivotal country in the battle against ISIS and terrorism, and as a nation which has suffered the loss of its great general, Martyr Qassem Soleimani, as well as other martyrs in this path, the Islamic Republic of Iran together with other neighbors emphasizes counterterrorism. In this regard, establishment of an inclusive government which serves as the sole cause of unity and cohesion among Afghanistan’s people will pave the way for a bright future for Afghanistan and is an important theme for discussion at the Tehran meeting. 

The neighboring countries want a stable, secure, and economically prosperous Afghanistan, emphasizing the fact that the issue of displaced people and the livelihood of Afghanistan’s people required intense attention in the short-term. Now, with the termination of Afghanistan’s occupation, with the help of international organizations and the countries in the region, necessary arrangements should be made to aid the vulnerable people of Afghanistan in their current ordeal.

At the Tehran Meeting, we will strive wholeheartedly to explore avenues to resolve this chronic problem, proving that engagement and cooperation of the neighbours and the assistance of all the members is a vast and constructive potential which can put an eternal end to foreign domination and reliance upon extra-regional forces. 

Economic blockade as a weapon against peoples

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Economic blockade as a weapon against peoples

By H.E. Mr. Félix Plasencia González, Foreign Minister of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela

The world’s peace and stability face today new and serious threats. It is a sophisticated war, but no less cruel and merciless because of it, where military armament and siege are accompanied, and in some cases replaced, by economic harassment, financial persecution, commercial attacks and plunder of assets from sovereign States. The application of Unilateral Coercive Measures (UCM) is more than an illegal action; it is a crime against humanity. It therefore demands the joint action of the international community.

Venezuela is one of the more than 30 countries that are currently fighting to overcome the consequences of the economic, financial and commercial blockade resulting from the imposition of UCM, which in bad faith are presented to the world as ‘sanctions’ in an attempt to justify the harm caused to the people, a harm described as ‘devastating’ by Alena Douhan, UN special rapporteur on the negative impact of the unilateral coercive measures on the enjoyment of human rights.

The devastation caused by the blockade, which has been imposed since 2014 and aggravated during the COVID-19 pandemic, is evidenced in figures such as the loss of up to 99% of the country’s foreign exchange incomes, impacting the import of food, medicines, supplies for the health sector, spare parts and goods, and thus affecting the productive apparatus and the economy, particularly the provision of basic services such as water, electricity and domestic gas.

State-owned Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA), the country’s most important company and main revenue generator, has lost over US$ 100 billion due to a production fall caused by the direct ‘sanctions’ imposed by the United States Government that have also reached different economic-productive sectors and third countries.

The seizure of Venezuelan companies located abroad such as CITGO constitutes  property damage amounting to more than US$ 30 billion. Also, the blockade and diversion of resources from this PDVSA subsidiary in the U.S. have resulted in another unquantifiable loss: the death of at least 14 Venezuelan children that were waiting for liver, kidney or bone marrow transplants, and the risk for hundreds of patients assisted with CITGO resources through the Simón Bolívar Foundation, whose health program was brought to a standstill in 2017.

The UCM against Venezuela represent an unprecedented aggression in our history. On average, the country went on to lose US$ 30 billion annually for 6 years; US$ 6 billion were frozen in foreign banks, and 31 tons of gold have been held at the Bank of England. The U.S. and European Union’s countries have issued direct measures against at least 192 people, 150 companies (140 of them private), 69 ships, 58 airplanes and 30 tankers. Venezuela is the fifth most sanctioned country in the world.

U.S. Government’s spokespeople from the last three administrations of Barack Obama, Donald Trump and Joe Biden have openly stated that the goal of these ‘sanctions’ is to inflict the greatest possible pain on the Venezuelan people in order to cause reactions leading to a ‘regime change’ in the country. This policy constitutes a crime against humanity, and it has been denounced as such by Venezuela before the International Criminal Court.

This brutal and systematic attack reaches all sectors of the country and affects all the spheres of the country’s life. Faced with this reality, the Venezuelan Government and people, with the support and solidarity of their allies and friends in the world, are working every day to overcome the serious consequences of this attack. Thus, we have succeeded in maintaining peace and stability, and we have managed to move forward towards the recovery of the welfare state achieved by the Bolivarian Revolution, which, before the imperial attacks, placed the country among the first in the region regarding inclusion, equality and social security levels.

            Today, out of respect for international law and the principles of humanity, sovereignty and independence that should guide the relations among peoples and governments, it is imperative to put an end to the application of Unilateral Coercive Measures, which are rejected by the United Nations as practices amounting to ‘threats or the use of force.’

In her recent report at the UN Human Rights Council, the special rapporteur has urged ‘to lift sectoral sanctions, which were mostly imposed in the name of human rights, democracy and the rule of law, as they undermine these very principles, values and norms.’ This is also our demand and call to all the peoples and governments so that, in each scenario and opportunity, they join the task of making the respect for self-determination and multilateralism govern international relations.

The barbaric action of applying UCM, and the consequent economic, financial and commercial blockade, is a policy which, under confession, expresses that their executors aim to cause pain and suffering to an entire people and meddle in the States’ domestic affairs to provoke political changes.

Therefore, it does not only deserve the rejection of the international community but also demands decisive and firm collective actions to stop these practices in the name of the noblest values of humanity and peaceful coexistence of the world’s nations.

The Art of Lockdown

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The Art of Lockdown

By Alexandra Paucescu

The last two years brought a new reality to most of us, no matter which part of the world we live in. We all had to learn to adapt to the new kind of life and living conditions, we realized how happy and free we were before and we maybe promised ourselves to appreciate more our freedom and keep dear people close to us.

Lockdown meant social distancing, which was not always easy to cope with. But it also meant a source of inspiration, inventiveness and increased creativity to many.

That is the reason why I was extremely curious when I found out about an art project, initiatedby Olena Kulinych, an Ukrainian diplomatic spouse posted in Australia and, even more excited, when she agreed to give me an interview.

Olena told me: ‘because of the quarantine measures in COVID times, people were separated and at risk of loneliness, anxiety and isolation. It has been crucially important to unite people, to help them come out of this calamity. Art and crafts are a well-known therapy for such situations, bringing joy and tranquillity to people, relieving stress and giving satisfaction.

In order to support people in these tough times and help them  feel connected with the community, the initiative group of Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations in Melbourne has launched a Facebook platform called “The Art of lockdown: Virtual visual exhibition”. The number of participants grew quickly and soon this project became international, as friends from other continents started to share their stories and feelings, via their beautiful art.’

Ukrainian embroidery

She tells me that she was confident in the success of the project from its very beginning, but the results have exceeded every expectation. ‘During the extremely difficult period of quarantine, we were able to stay united, despite the difficult conditions. Paradoxically, it was during isolation that I communicated more with both old friends and with those I met online, thanks to this project. Personally, this open communication and the bright creativity of the participants inspired me to complete some of my own projects, as well as to create and implement a new one. It was also a great chance not only to present my skill but to make new friends and see how gifted they are.’

The book “Art of Lockdown” was published in 2021 and it presents the creative works of more than 120 professional and amateur artists and artisans, each one also inspiring others from Australia, Belgium, Canada and the United States to embrace the artistic idea.

Olena says proudly: ’we are reaching new creative levels. New interesting, bright, inspiring projects will successfully develop on the platform, we even plan to open up an online “art school”, where everybody can try a hand at photography, embroidery, drawing, Easter egg painting or cooking.’

An Economist by education, Olena Kulinych worked in the fashion industry and TV broadcasting in Ukraine, before following her husband on his diplomatic journey abroad.

During almost thirty years of travelling and living in Japan, Republic of Korea and Australia, she widely explored the traditions and different cultures that she encountered, having the chance to discover and learn new skills.

‘In Seoul, I participated in a kimchi-making contest, in Australia I discovered the art of bobbin-lace making, in Japan I studied the art of calligraphy from the outstanding master Ozawa sensei.’

She has always been active and full of artistic initiatives. After returning from Tokyo, her book about this country, which is, as she confesses, definitely closest to her heart, was published in Ukraine.

Bay of Fires, Tasmania 1- Winner of the Photo contest.

Now, in Australia, besides the ‘Art in lockdown’ project, she also initiated a diplomatic photo competition (soon to become yearly), called ‘My wonderful Australia’, where tens of amazing shots from many corners of Australia were submitted and the winner of the competition was determined by collective vote.

Art is always part of her life and, with each new idea, she aims to share it with others, she wants to discover the world and to show the beauty and cultural heritage of her homeland as well.

 After all, this is the essence of diplomatic life, regardless of the situation, time, realities and lockdowns.

Art unites people.

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.

Philippine-Netherlands relations @70

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Philippine-Netherlands relations @70

The Business of Maintaining Effective Cooperation

By H.E. Mr. Jose Eduardo Malaya, Ambassador of the Philippines

In a world where relationships are increasingly seen as cursory and fleeting, there is something to be celebrated when a partnership reaches 70 years. This year, 2021, the Philippines and the Netherlands commemorate 70 years of diplomatic relations.

Of course, actual people-to-people interactions began more than 400 years ago, when Olivier van Noort of Rotterdam led Dutch ships to the Philippine islands in search of spices, and some say, colonial conquest. Yet, like all relationships that reach the platinum milestone, it is a fine time to undertake an assessment of this relationship.

Diplomatic relations require constant tending and unceasing determination by the partner countries for it to remain productive. This is particularly true at this time of intense competition for resources and of complex geopolitical, economic and environmental challenges.

Last November 2020, the Netherlands published its Indo-Pacific Guidelines for strengthening Dutch and EU cooperation with partners in Asia. This pivot towards Asia highlighted a reinvigorated cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), including the Philippines, and identified priority areas of practical cooperation. Both the Dutch and EU policy papers vis-à-vis the Indo-Pacific—the latter published in September this year—emphasized the importance of ensuring the growth and development, peace, security, rules-based international order, and stability of the region. This is borne of the realization that the Indo-Pacific region has become the world’s strategic and economic center of gravity, as EC Vice President Joseph Borrel noted.

The Philippines has a big role in this region-to-region interface as coincidentally it recently assumed the role of country coordinator of the ASEAN-EU relations up to 2025. It is in the interest of the Philippines and the Netherlands and EU to maintain open economies and societies that allow for relatively free movement of goods, services and peoples.

Notwithstanding the 10,581 km distance between the two countries, the Netherlands has historically been one of the top economic partners of the Philippines. The Netherlands has been among the five top investor countries in the Philippines, and at USD 245 million in 2020, was the number one among the 28 EU member states. In 2019, Netherlands was the country’s 9th export market, with exports valued at US$1.9 billion and growing. As countries with significant maritime interests, cooperation in the area of maritime sphere is robust, with some 22,000 Filipino seafarers onboard Dutch-flagged vessels that ply the waters of the world. Some 41,313 Dutch tourists visited pre-pandemic and enjoyed our pristine beaches and shopping centers, and we would like to see them back once leisure travels normalize.

Dutch businesses abound in the Philippines. These include the ING Bank, Shell, East West Seed, Vroon (shipping), Regus (serviced office spaces), and Alaska Milk, a Philippine brand acquired in 2018 by FrieslandCampina based in Amersfoort for US$ 400 million. Even at this time of pandemic, dredger vessels from the Royal Boskalis Westminster NV, one of the world’s leading dredging and heavy lift companies, are busy in the Manila Bay undertaking land reclamation and development for the new Manila international airport being developed by the San Miguel Aerocity Inc. The project, which is worth EUR 1.5 billion, is the biggest in Boskalis’ history. 

Meanwhile, priority sectors where Dutch businesses could invest in include agribusiness/agriculture, energy efficiency technologies and renewable energy, infrastructure/public-private partnership projects, information technology and business process management, manufacturing, oil and gas, aerospace, processed and specialty food, and retail.

The coronavirus pandemic underscored the vulnerability of states to trans-border challenges, as well as the reality that effective solutions are increasingly multilateral in nature and best approached through shared undertakings and commitments. It has also shown that effective bilateral and multilateral cooperation is one that adopts a perspective that benefits everyone. It is no longer enough that there be no permanent friends and only permanent national interests, but that—given  challenges such as the pandemic and climate change — global interests should be pursued as assiduously as one’s own national interests.

In this 70th year milestone, it could not be clearer that the role of the Philippine Embassy is to help shepherd initiatives in maintaining the momentum for cooperation at various levels and by various government agencies, business sectors and other stakeholders. It is reassuring that in these 70 years, the ties that bind the two countries have been tried and tested by diverse issues, and found resilient.

In 2020, after 69 years, the Philippines and the Netherlands conducted its first bilateral consultations, which was followed by the second meeting in June 2021. The consultations affirmed the commitment by both sides to work towards strengthening cooperation in the political, economic and socio-cultural areas, and produced a joint work program with emphasis on trade and investments, water management, maritime matters, agriculture, and science and technology. 

There is momentum for enhanced, mutually beneficial partnership, and we should sustain it.

Le caméléon

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Le caméléon

Par Alexander Khodakov

Je le capture par pure chance. Un jour nous décidons d’explorer une autre route qui semble mener à une plage qui se trouve plus près de la ville que le Cap. Il y a effectivement une petite plage, mais elle est plutôt pierreuse et la baignade n’y est pas très agréable.

Au retour je roule tranquillement pour éviter de soulever les nuages de latérite. Tout à coup je vois quelque chose bouger sur la route, très lentement. J’arrête et je saute de la voiture. Je n’en crois pas mes yeux, c’est un caméléon. Ce sont des lézards nocturnes, la chance d’en voir un le jour est minime. Quel but poursuivait-il ? Il n’a pas changé sa couleur naturelle, et son vert est très visible sur la latérite rouge. J’hésite à le prendre en mains, alors je l’attrape avec mon borsalino, le mets dans un sachet que je jette ensuite dans le coffre de ma Renault.

Arrivé chez nous, j’ouvre le sachet et essaie de voir ce qui est au fond du chapeau. Je ne vois rien ! Où est-il passé ? Soudainement, ça bouge et le caméléon, noir comme la nuit, fait son apparition. Il n’a pas l’air content, il ouvre sa bouche – elle est jaune – et siffle comme un serpent. Pris par la surprise, je le lâche. Pourtant, il n’arrive pas à se sauver. Ses mouvements sont extrêmement lents, c’est comme si on voyait un film au ralenti.

Les voisins accourent, tout le monde veut s’amuser avec cette bestiole rare. On commence toute une série d’expériences. La science d’aujourd’hui affirme que le changement de couleur chez les caméléons sert principalement de mécanisme de communication sociale, mais reconnaît en même temps que la plupart de ces lézards l’utilisent aussi comme technique de camouflage. Nous n’étions pas au courant de la vie sociale des caméléons. On voulait juste vérifier si effectivement ces lézards changent de couleur – on en a tant entendu et lu. Et il ne nous déçoit pas, notre brave caméléon. On le met sur des surfaces différentes, il en prend docilement la couleur. Il imite même le dessin multicolore des tuiles dans la cuisine. C’est incroyable ! Finalement, il se fatigue, tourne au noir – on a vite compris qu’il exprime ainsi son irritation – et commence à siffler. On le met dans un grand pot de verre pour qu’il ne s’échappe pas et on le laisse tranquille.

Le lendemain nous essayons de nourrir notre prisonnier. On lui offre des mouches, des moustiques et de très petits cafards. Il n’est pas intéressé. Peut-être parce que les insectes sont morts et ne bougent pas ? On arrive à attraper une mouche sans la tuer et on la met dans le pot. Le caméléon ne regarde même pas de son côté. Nous restons perplexes.

Le jour suivant l’ambassadeur m’invite dans son bureau. « Est-ce vrai que vous avez capturé un caméléon ? » – s’enquiert-t-il poliment. Je confirme. Alors l’ambassadeur me demande avec un air un peu timide : « Avez-vous besoin de cette bête ? » Je devine à l’instant. La fille de Son Excellence, âgée de dix ans, est venue rejoindre ses parents pendant les vacances scolaires. Bien sûr qu’elle serait ravie d’avoir cet animal exotique, de le toucher de ses mains, de le voir changer de couleur. Je réponds à l’ambassadeur qu’on a déjà assez joué avec la bête et le lui offre pour sa fille. Je rentre chez moi et rapporte le caméléon avec le pot. L’ambassadeur me remercie avec chaleur. Il tire le caméléon du pot et met son doigt dans la bouche de la bête. Je pousse un cri. « Ils ne mordent pas – explique mon chef hiérarchique tranquillement – J’ai consulté l’encyclopédie. »

Dans sa résidence on met le lézard dans le jardin d’hiver. Il y reste quelques jours, la fille de l’ambassadeur l’observe et essaie, elle aussi, de le nourrir. Mais comme le jardin d’hiver n’a pas de toit, une nuit le caméléon disparaît. En a-t-il eu marre d’être observé ou s’est-il fatigué de nos tentatives de lui faire manger des choses immangeables de son point de vue ? Qu’en puis-je savoir ?

Somme toute, aucun animal n’a souffert.

Information sur l’auteur:

Alexander Khodakov

Né à Moscou en 1952, Alexander Khodakov fait ses études de droit  à  l’Institut de relations internationales de Moscou (MGIMO). Après trois ans à MGIMO, il fait un an d’études à l’université d’Alger. En 1974 il est recruté par le Ministère des affaires étrangères de l’URSS et part en poste au Gabon. Rentré à Moscou, il intègre le département juridique du Ministère. De 1985 à  1991 il travaille  à New York au sein de la mission permanente de l’URSS auprès des Nations unies. De retour à Moscou en 1991 il revient au département juridique, dont il devient directeur en 1994. Quatre ans plus tard il est nommé ambassadeur de Russie aux Pays-Bas et représentant permanent auprès de l’Organisation pour l’interdiction des armes chimiques (OIAC). En 2004 il passe au service de l’OIAC comme directeur des projets spéciaux et ensuite secrétaire des organes directifs. En 2011 il rejoint le greffe de la Cour pénale internationale et exerce pendant trois ans comme conseiller spécial pour les relations extérieures.

Depuis 2015 il vit  à La Haye, avec sa famille. Il a écrit Cuisine Diplomatique un vibrant récit des histoires inédites sur sa vie diplomatique.

Asia-Pacific Regional Seminar of Judges on the Rome Statute and the International Criminal Court

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Asia-Pacific Regional Seminar of Judges on the Rome Statute and the International Criminal Court

On 1 December 2021, the International Criminal Court (“ICC”) held the inaugural Asia-Pacific Regional Seminar of Judges on the Rome Statute and the International Criminal Court with  Judges and judicial officials from five States Parties to the Rome Statute as well as five States that are not party to the Statute. The seminar, which was held online due to COVID-19 restrictions, was co-hosted with the Supreme Court of the Republic of Korea and organised with the financial support of the European Commission.

The Asia-Pacific Regional Seminar of Judges aimed to increase cooperation in the international criminal justice system by enhancing understanding about the ICC cooperation regime, promoting efforts towards universal ratification of the Rome Statute of the ICC, and reinforcing high-level and technical contacts and partnerships.

The seminar was opened by Judge Myeongsu Kim, Chief Justice of the Korean Supreme Court, and by Judge Piotr Hofmański, President of the ICC, and consisted of three sessions, each dedicated to a topic of relevance.

In his opening remarks, President Hofmański reflected on the role that judges and other judicial actors have as bearers of the rule of law in their national systems. “With this deep understanding of the importance of the law for the well-being of societies, you can play a key part in fostering dialogue about the ICC in your national setting. As senior legal experts, you have an influential voice not only in your legal community, but also in broader national discussions related to the rule of law. In today’s globalized world, such discussions must take into consideration not only domestic issues, but also international norms,” he said.

Speakers included the President of the Assembly of States Parties (“ASP”) Judge Silvia Fernández de Gurmendi, former ASP President Judge O-Gon Kwon, ICC Judge Chang-ho Chung, ICC Judge Tomoko Akane, and former ICC Judge Raul Cano Pangalangan. With the valuable contribution of the speakers, the participants had the opportunity to acquire a greater understanding of the Rome Statute system and the Court in general. The participants were also able to create a network among the national judges to exchange views and experiences on Rome Statute related matters.

The Asia-Pacific Regional Seminar of Judges forms part of the broader efforts of the Court, the Assembly of States Parties and civil society to promote universal ratification of the Rome Statute. With the partnership of the Republic of Korea as one of the co-focal points for universality in the Assembly, and the support from the European Commission, the Court intends to continue facilitating dialogue among senior judges in this context with a follow-up event in 2022.

A Climate Pact without Coal ?

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A Climate Pact without Coal ?

By Steven van Hoogstraten

When following the news, the public has mostly been given the impression that the COP 26 summit in Glasgow was no great success , and more probably that it was half a failure. A litany of words producing more words, without tangible results. Good intentions could only partly be banked upon.  The essential phrase about phasing out coals was watered down at the last moment. The next COP conference is already in a year’s  time in Egypt, Sharm al Sheikh, if the world is allowed to return to the old rhythm of every year another COP.

Also, a lot of attention went to the question of the financial support for developing nations, which is one of the clear commitments under the Paris Agreement: from 2020 the developed countries had to provide US $ 100 billion per year while actually they set aside $ 86 billion dollars only. Against this not so bright background, I wanted to know what the summit had really produced, so I read carefully the Glasgow Climate Pact, which is the final document as I found it on internet.  

And  guess what, there is reason to be not too pessimistic.

Surely a full exit from coal, let alone fossil fuels, could not be codified, but nonetheless the language of the declaration under the chapter “Mitigation” speaks firmly of accelerating efforts towards the phasedown of unabated coal power and phase out of  inefficient fossil fuel subsidies… (para 20)   . To say the least, this is a direction the meaning of which can not be misunderstood. 

More importantly, there is a different part of the declaration where the language is undiluted, clear and determined. Under the opening chapter of the Glasgow Climate Pact “Science and Urgency”, the conference recognized the importance of the best available science for effective climate action and policy making. In my view this is the same as jumping over any debate about the role of human intervention in climate change, as the current science from IPCC  is absolutely clear about this; the climate crisis is a man-made crisis, mainly due to greenhouse gases and particularly to carbon (CO2) emissions .

And even more explicit, in para 3 of the Climate Pact, the Conference of the Parties “Expresses alarm and utmost concern that human activities have caused around 1.1 degree Celcius of global warming to date and that impacts are already being felt in every region” . That is an admission of great relevance, and it puts human activities right in the calculated centre of the climate concerns.

In even more practical terms, the Conference of the parties also recognizes that limiting global warming to 1.5 degree Celsius requires rapid, deep and sustained reductions in global greenhouse emissions by 45 percent in 2030 relative to the 2010 level and to net zero around mid century, as well as deep reductions in other greenhouse gases. We know that Europe has a more ambitious plan, namely a 55 % reduction by 2030, but to have this goal of minus 45%  relating to the 2010 level agreed at world level is at least an achievement of major significance.

There is more that could be drawn from the Glasgow Climate Pact in the same vein, but I think the examples given demonstrate that Glasgow has produced an explicit  foundation for positive further work. A basis which can not be undone by countries or future leaders who would come to feel otherwise. The US, China, Russia, the EU, Brazil and India are all on board.

Something which struck me particularly in the coal debate was that Australia, a notable consumer and producer of coal, was not seen to be vocal or difficult in the debate about phasing down or phasing out. When I was in Sidney two years ago for the International Law Association, the Australian government was in great difficulty over the electricity pricing in conjunction with the implementation of the Paris Agreement. The proponents of further coal development then seemed to have the upper hand. Not so now, it seems.

I hope and I assume that this one phrase from the Glasgow Climate Pact about “alarm and utmost concern” about harmful human activities will stand the test of time , and that it will indeed form the basis for future decisions to substantially reduce global warming. Viewed from that angle, the judgement about Glasgow should be: not so bad, not so bad at all. But much work has still to be done, in order to keep the desired 1.5 degrees global warming a realistic perspective.  Or as the title of the UN High-Level Event for Global Climate Action on 11 November had it: “Racing to a Better World”.

Diplomats Wine and Spirits Extravaganza Edition 2021

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Diplomats Wine and Spirits Extravaganza Edition 2021

By Roy Lie Atjam

Wine and spirit connoisseurs assembled at the Leonardo Royal Hotel (The Hague) on Monday, November 1 2021 for the second edition of the exclusive Diplomat Wine and Spirit Extravaganza. Embassies celebrated their wine and spirits industry at the soiree and used the occasion to promote their products to the Dutch market. It ended up being an excellent tasting and sales experience.

Over the years Diplomat magazine has promoted various wine producing countries: Portugal, Spain, Tunisia, Lebanon, Hungary, South Africa, Czech Republic, Armenia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Greece, India, Kosovo, Luxembourg, Mexico, Moldova, North Macedonia, and others.

The countries that were featured at the show this year were:  Chile, China, Georgia, Guatemala, Peru, Russia and Tunisia.

Dr. Mayelinne De Lara, Diplomat Magazine’s publisher, H.E. Mr. Alexander Shulgin, Ambassador of Russia and the Ambassador of Burundi, H.E. Mr. Gamaliel Mkurunziza.

Ambassadors and representatives of participating countries addressed the guests, among them the Russian Ambassador H.E. Mr. Alexander Shulgin.

“Tonight, the Russian side has the honor to present two exceptional Russian wineries: Valery Zaharin and Lefkadia Valley.

Wine is not a simple product to make – it requires a continuity of generations. The winemakers of Valery Zaharin company stand on the shoulders of their ancestors. The history of winemaking in Crimea is centuries old, it dates to the Russian Empress Catherine the Great who authorized the development of national wineries there.

Our second group of wines comes from Lefkadia region in the South of Russia. More than 15 years ago local wine lovers got the idea that was simple and crazy at the same time: to create an outstanding Russian wine of world quality. And they achieved the goal – in 2019 Lefkadia Valley became our first wine to score 91 points on Robert Parker’s scale of the Wine Advocate magazine.

And finally, to make this evening even more memorable, we bring you as well Russian number one premium vodka brand – Beluga. I dare you to try it. You can hardly ever find a better vodka than Beluga.

I really hope that you will enjoy this evening, that the conversations will flow and as a result we could all let down our guard a bit and become a little closer. In the end that is what today’s world really needs.“

H.E. Mr. Jorge Skinner-Klée Arenales, Ambassador of Guatemala.

H.E. Mr. Jorge Skinner-Klée Arenales, the Ambassador of Guatemala, declared the following: “Guatemala is world famous for its quality products like coffee, cardamom, cocoa and, of course, rum.

Guatemala’s diversity enables it to make a rum that is unique and certainly among the best in the world. In fact, Guatemala’s rich volcanic soil, along with the varied landscape and numerous multi-climates, create perfect conditions for producing virgin cane which is used to distil and then age rum. Thereafter, the temperatures of the highlands at 2,300 meters above sea level, permit to age rum giving it its remarkable signature.

Zacapa, rum from Guatemala.
Premium rum from Guatemala, Zacapa.

This is what makes Guatemala’s rum among the most elegant, complex and expressive in the world. Once again, thank you very much for joining us today. We kindly invite you to come to our stand and try the taste of Guatemala, the land of eternal spring, and it’s unique rums.“

Ambassador of China, H.E. Mr. Jian Tan expressed: “I think if we drink enough Baijiu, we can solve anything” said former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger when he visited China in 1974. Even being the most-drunk spirit in the world, Baijiu is little-known beyond China. A sip of this intriguing Oriental spirit gives you an unforgettable taste in the mouth and a peak into Chinese culture.”

At the Embassy of China’ stand guests had the opportunity to taste the famous Baijiu, in fact the best seller liquor in hearth and a mayor representative of Chinese culture. Artall Culture Trading importer of Chinese spirits, notably Baijiu from Yangue Destillery, served cocktails and also the liquor on its own. Artall have been selling Yanghe brand of baijiu in the Netherlands since 2018 and exporting it from the Netherlands to other European countries.

The Ambassador of Tunisia, H.E. Mr. Slim Ghariani, when on to say: Tunisia might mainly be renowned to some of you for its weather, beaches and three-thousand yearlong civilization. But Tunisia has also a history with wine dating back over 2,000 years. In fact, the first vines planted in Tunisia dates back to the Punic era, when the city of Carthage was established. Wine production continued after the Romans occupied Carthage in 146 BC.

Indeed, it is no coincidence that one of the most highly rated wines in Tunisia (Magon) is named after Mago, the Carthaginian agronomist who wrote the first guide on how to make wine. This red wine is cultivated in Mornag, in the northeastern part of the country. This region honors the Carthaginian Magon, the worshipped Master of agronomy, who cultivated his grapes near the village of Majus in the south of Carthage and certain rules of whom are nowadays still used.

Wine production slowed down somewhat when Islam arrived but saw a revival at the end of the 19 th century, when large numbers of Italians came to Tunisia, followed by the French. Most Tunisian grapes are the same as the ones you would find in the south of France, like Cabernet-Sauvignon, Carignon, Syrah and Mourvèdre for wine, and Chardonnay, Muscat, Ugni and Sauvignon for whites.

Today, Tunisia produces some fantastic wines and boasts seven AOC’s “Controlled Designation of Origin”, including the Magon (AOC Mornag, Syrah and Merlot).

Tunisian wines just keep getting better and are winning gold medals at international competitions.

Donated with unique geology and climate, Tunisia can satisfy all demands in terms of wine production. Tunisia produces white, red and rosé wines that represent true quality, by international standards.

Finally, I would like to invite you to taste our excellent wines. I hope that Dutch wine exporters and restaurants that distribute a wide variety of wines will consider adding Tunisian products to their supply.

The Ambassador of Chile, H.E. Mr. Hernán Salinas Burgos.

The Ambassador of Chile, H.E. Mr. Hernán Salinas Burgos, “Chile is a paradise for wine production thanks to its high temperatures in summer and cold winters. In addition, the Andes Cordillera provides irrigation through snowmelt and a natural barrier against pests and diseases.

The climatic effects help the vines to have a slow maturation process while preserving the acidity in the fruits and producing wines with very good natural acidity, excellent coloring, and balance.

There are 800 active wineries in Chile, more than 11 thousand producers, and 394 wine exporting companies, of which 76% are small and medium enterprises.

Chile has one of the world’s broadest programs for accrediting sustainability and 79 wineries have earned Wines of Chile Sustainability Code certification. Between them, these wineries account for 80% of the bottled wine exported from Chile. These bottles are easy to identify on any shelf around the world due to the distinct “Certified Sustainable Wine of Chile” seal they display. This sustainability code has been earned by all types and sizes of Chilean wineries from small-scale producers to large national cooperatives.

Wine accounts for a significant contribution to the Chilean economy, representing 0.5% of the GDP and employing over 100,000 people in direct work, of which only 53% work in the vineyards. The wine industry is one of the most relevant industries for our country.

Finally, Chile is the leading exporter in the Americas and the fourth largest in the world after France, Spain and Italy.“

The Georgian Ambassador, H.E. Mr. David Solomonia.

Another speaker was the Georgian Ambassador Mr David Solomonia, talked about centuries-old winemaking culture and unique methods. “Archaeological evidence suggests that wine has been made in Georgia as far as 8000 years ago. To put this into context, Georgian viticulture is older than the great pyramids of Giza.

Numerous displays related to centuries-old winemaking practices have been kept well and alive. Georgia’s climate and territorial conditions are perfect for growing grapes. There are more than 500 endemic grape species, from which the best-quality wines are produced.

Central to Georgian wine making is Qvevri – large earthenware, egg-shaped clay vessel in which grapes are fermented with their raw materials, thus producing rich, structured, tannic wines. Qvevri is buried underground to maintain a steady temperature and to let the wine age. It is carefully crafted from locally sourced clays and this technology is a product of accumulated ancestral knowledge and experience. There are many samples of Qvevri which age more than a century and are still in use.

Qvevri is kind of a living symbol of the Georgian viticulture and also a reminder, that wine making in Georgia is an indigenous tradition. In 2013, Georgia’s winemaking method of fermenting grapes in Qvevri has been inscribed on the UNESCO List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.”

The Minister Counsellor of Peru, Mr. Cesar Larrain.

Mr. Cesar Larrain, Minister Counsellor of the Embassy of Peru, expressed: “Peru is represented by the company FIA International of Mrs. Myriam Jara, a pioneer company in the export of Pisco, our flagship distillate, in the Netherlands and with a decade of experience in the Dutch market. Along these lines, we will present a wide variety of Pisco types and brands from the most prestigious vineyards of Ica, department of the south-central region of Peru, as well as from the Arequipa region.

Likewise, we shall present a selection of Intipalka wines, from the renowned Queirolo vineyards, also located in the aforementioned department of Ica, Peru.“

Many of the invitees were able to appreciate the gustation of wines and spirits from countries both ancient and modern. The occasion also created fine opportunities to network and create new potential partnerships.  

Admission to the Diplomat Wine and Spirits Extravaganza was by invitation. Entertainment was provided by the Daniel Nicholas Jazz Band which contributed to create a convivial atmosphere.

The impromptu participation of H.E. Mr. Juan Bautista Duran, Ambassador of the Dominican Republic, with his rendition of My Way augmented the ambiance even further.

Approximately 250+ persons attended the event. Among the invitees were importers, sommeliers, wine bars and shops, restaurants, members of the press, Ambassadors and representatives of participating and none participating countries such as Costa Rica, Belarus, Burundi, Ghana, Philippines, Tanzania South-Africa and USA.

Diplomats Wine and Spirit Extravaganza Edition 2021 has for the second time been a resounding success. The wide selection that was available, the elegant décor, the program and staff, whose professionalism and attention to detail were beyond compare making the evening an outstanding one.

H.E. Mr. Juan Bautista Duran, Ambassador of the Dominican Republic.
Singer Egle Petrosiute with Daniel Nicolas’ band.

Diplomatic Police Symposium on Practical Security Issues

Diplomat Magazine
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Diplomatic Police Symposium on Practical Security Issues

By Roy Lie Atjam

The Hague 19 October 2021. Diplomat Magazine in collaboration with the Diplomatic Front Office Police and the Police Cybercrime Unit organized a  timely two-part symposium to address practical security issues for the diplomatic community.

The Diplomatic Front Office (DFO) Unit The Hague is the central point of contact for the diplomatic corps and representatives of international organizations, providing advice and information on the services of the Police in general, as well as on security-related questions.

Besides acting as a liaison between the National Police and the diplomatic community, the Diplomatic Front Office maintains contacts with external partners, the City Council, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the NCTV (National Coordinator on Counterterrorism and Security).

Dr. Mayelinne De Lara of Diplomat magazine delivered the inaugural remarks. “Crime is increasing, robberies are not on top of the list but the more sophisticated types of crimes are menacing embassies and diplomats daily. This is a two-part symposium. Mr Frans Scholten and Mr Vincent Stittelaar from Diplomatic Front Office Police and Cybercrime Unit, will each deliver a part. We are confident that taking part in today’s symposium will be enriching”.

The officers Scholten and Stittelaar presented valuable information to the 120 plus ambassadors and diplomats from Burundi, Cyprus, Ghana, Indonesia, Malaysia, Panama, Russia, Singapore, Sudan, USA, Ukraine, Cuba, Austria, Mexico, Costa Rica, Brazil, Turkey, Estonia, Panama, Rwanda, Yemen, Canada, Spain, Cyprus, Poland to mention a few.

Officer Frans Scholten focus on the subject of residential protection and public safety.

“A burglary is not something one will soon forget, burglary victims never get over it, strangers have been in your house; they have gone through your belongings and have stolen items that are irreplaceable. The place you considered safe, suddenly does not seem safe anymore.

The best way to fight burglary is through prevention. In other words, make it difficult for them to enter your house.”

Research has shown that people, in general, do not take adequate safety measures. The more difficult you make it for burglars, the greater the chance to keep them away from your property. Secure Your Home.

How to deter burglars:

  •  Never leave keys on the inside of a (door) lock.
  •  Provide adequate lighting at entrances.
  •  Take pictures of valuable goods like jewellery and watches.
  •  If you keep valuables at home, consider the purchase and use of a burglary-resistant safe.
  • Be aware of the value of your smartphone.
  • Don’t turn your house into a display window, keep valuables out of sight.
  • Ensure burglar-resistant hinges, bolts and locks with Politiekeurmerk Veilig Wonen (PKVW)
  •  When not at home, leave as many lights on as usual.
  •  Use a timer for these lights and don’t forget the rooms upstairs.
  •  Close doors and windows as securely as possible.
  •  Always lock the door (deadbolt and pin-lock) even during a short leave.
  • Never leave keys under a doormat or anywhere else outside.

Cybersecurity

Ransomware affiliate programs enable a larger group of criminals to attack big corporations and public institutions by threatening them with multi-layered extortion methods such as DDoS attacks. 

Mobile malware evolves with criminals trying to circumvent additional security measures such as two-factor authentication. 

Online shopping has led to a steep increase in online fraud. 

Explicit self-generated material is an increasing concern and is also distributed for profit.

Criminals continue to abuse legitimate services such as encrypted communication services and cryptocurrencies. (source Security Delta (HSD))

 Always report cybercrime to the police.

Indonesian-Dutch Students Develop Virtual Climate Village

Diplomat Magazine
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Indonesian-Dutch Students Develop Virtual Climate Village

By Roy Lie Atjam

The Herenwegschool Wassenaar and the Sekolah Indonesia Den Haag developed a virtual climate village project based on the current situation in Malino, South Sulawesi applying Microsoft Minecraft.

The Embassy of Indonesia hosted the talk show and handover ceremony of this auspicious Climate Village project at the “Nusantara” auditorium of the Indonesian Embassy on 23 November 2021. In attendance were a total of 30 offline- and 60 online participants from The Netherlands and Indonesia.

Participants from Herenwegschool Wassenaar, and Sekolah Indonesia Den Haag, with Ambassador Mayerfas, Dr. Bernard Bot, Prince Jaime de Bourbon de Parme and Herman Tahir.

A short review of what Ambassador Mayerfas asserted in his welcome remarks.

“Prince Jaime de Bourbon de Parme, Climate Envoy of the Netherlands, Dr. Bernard Bot, Member of Trustees of Indonesia Nederland Society, Directors, teachers, and students of Sekolah Indonesia Den Haag and Herenweg School, Bapak dan Ibu dari Kementerian/Lembaga terkait, who join the event through Zoom.

When I firstly heard about this Climate Village project, I was very encouraged, and decided right away for the Embassy to be on board. Why? It is because this Climate Village project is a unique and timely initiative. It is unique for three reasons.

First, this is a collaboration between 64 Indonesian and Dutch students in The Netherlands to think, discuss, and come up with a proposal about the climate mitigation in Malino South Sulawesi in Indonesia. 

“Prince Jaime de Bourbon de Parme, Climate Envoy of the Netherlands.

The collaboration is encouraging. How the young generations from two different countries and cultures worked together as an effort in climate change mitigation.

Second, the project can be considered as a new method of learning experience in climate education. 

It involved the use of game application, Minecraft from Microsoft, to explore and propose climate adaptation and mitigation solutions. The students walked through their own learning process and created a creative problem solving.

Third, the project involved children in quite early age, from 10 to 14, to contribute to the climate change mitigation.

This will create awareness about the climate change to the children and, hopefully, will construct their behavior towards the environment in the future.

The project is also timely as it can contribute to the outcome of COP 26, to reduce the emissions and building resilience to the impacts of climate change. The Climate Village is conducted through a penta-helix approach involving Governments, Business, Academicians, Communities, and Mass Media.

Climate Village project is presented to Ambassador Mayerfas.

As you may be aware, Indonesia has a commitment to reduce 29% of greenhouse gas emissions with our own efforts by 2030. This Climate Village project is part of that effort. Since its inception in 2016, the Climate Village has been established in 2.775 locations in Indonesia. The target is to have 20 thousand Climate Village in Indonesia by 2024″

A talk show in the hybrid format followed offline as well as online. Participants included: the students; director of Herenwegschool Wassenaar, Mr Bob van den Steenhoven; director of Sekolah Indonesia Den Haag, Mr Herman Tahir; panellists Prof. dr. ir. Arjen Wals (Wageningen University); and others.

Subsequently, the students symbolically handed over the project to the Indonesian Ambassador H.E. Mayerfas as the representative of the government of Indonesia; and to the Dutch Climate Envoy, Prince Jaime de Bourbon de Parma, representing the government of The Netherlands.

As was mentioned, the Climate Village Project was a collaboration between Sekolah Indonesia Den Haag students and Herenweg School students, aged 10-14 years, from 16 September to 1 November 2021, with the support of the Indonesian Embassy in The Hague and the Indonesia Nederland Society. In Minecraft, the students’ built climate adaptation and mitigation programs based on the situation in Malino that they identified through interviews with the villagers.

Ambassador Mayerfas stated the Climate Village Project could be implemented in real life. “This Climate Village Project can be a good contribution to the Indonesian Government and people, including in Malino. The Indonesian Government has conducted the Climate Village Program since 2016 and built the village in more than two thousand locations. If implemented in Malino, this project will contribute to the achievement of the Indonesian Government’s target to build 20 thousand Climate Village in 2024,” explained Ambassador Mayerfas.

The Dutch Climate Envoy Prince Jaime de Bourbon de Parme also welcomed the project. “The students in a creative and fun way find a solution for the world’s problem (climate change). The proposed solutions are in line with the problems faced in Malino, such as waste management. The Dutch Government is currently working with the Indonesian Government through the circular economy for waste management,” said Prince Jaime.

The member of the Board of Trustees of the Indonesia Nederland Society and former Dutch Foreign Minister, Bernard Bot, who witnessed the handover stated, “This project can stimulate and reach out the policymakers. Hence, it would be good to integrate the project into the curriculum of primary education.” 

The Climate Village project is a project in which the students learn about global citizenship. The students learn to approach a problem within predetermined frameworks from different perspectives. They learn to make their considerations and to articulate them. By entering into dialogue with each other, their learning process is stimulated and they make reasoned choices that they have to defend.

The Climate Village was constructed in 6 weeks and addressed seven main problems in Malino, these are clean water, waste, food security, wildfire, deforestation, electricity, and climate-related disease. They proposed to build a clean water filter; a waste management system; a farming and farmer’s market; a river around the forest to prevent wildfire; tree plantation; hydroelectric and solar panels; and a hospital.

The project has been a success and tastes like more. A follow-up project was soon rolled out which gave the school national acclaim. Van den Steenhoven said that the students would give a presentation in the town hall that very week. This result did not go unnoticed; Microsoft, VNG, Podemos, the PO Raad (Council for Primary Education) and two knowledge institutions want to work together with the school for the development of citizenship education. The project coordinator is Monica Bouman (PhD)

A mega Bravo to all stakeholders!

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