He was warmly welcomed by a church packed with members of the country’s Christian minority on his first mass in Baghdad
By Willy Fautré, Director of Human Rights Without Frontiers
HRWF (15.04.2024) – On Wednesday 10 April, Cardinal Sako returned to Baghdad after a nine-month self-imposed exile in the Kurdistan Region. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani issued the order for his return, marking a crucial step towards reconciliation and religious unity in the country.
Clergy members from Baghdad and Patriarchate staff were also present.On 11 April, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani officially welcomed Cardinal Louis Raphael I Sako referring to him as “leader of the Chaldeans in Iraq and the world” and pledged to address issues concerning the Christian community and other minority groups within Iraq.In response, Patriarch Sako conveyed Eid Al-Fitr greetings to the prime minister and emphasized the government’s ongoing responsibility to improve living conditions and safeguard the rights of all Iraqis, including minorities.
The new decision in 2023 withdrew widespread condemnations from Christians in Iraq and abroad, fearing the revocation could be part of a long-standing campaign against the dwindling community.
About the departure of Cardinal Sako
Sako’s departure from Baghdad in 2023 stemmed from the decree issued by President Abdul Latif Rashid revoking a 2013 decision by then-President Jalal Talabani. The Federal Supreme Court of Iraq upheld Rashid’s decision in November 2023, citing ‘constitutional’ concerns. The Chaldean Patriarchate expressed bewilderment, asserting that the withdrawal lacked a legal basis. Observers noted that the presidential decree potentially allowed the Babylon Movement, the political arm of a Christian militia under US sanctions, to gain more control over the community’s institutions in Iraq.
It followed a public spat between the leader of the Babylon Movement, Rayan Al-Kildani, and Cardinal Sako, each of whom accusing the other of political control over the Christian community. Last year, Cardinal Sako listed conditions for any return to Baghdad, including President Rashid formally recognising him as leader of the Chaldean Catholic Church and holder of its property. In a further display of protest, the Chaldean Patriarchate canceled Easter celebrations on March 25, standing in solidarity with Cardinal Sako.
The decrease of the Christian community
The Christian community in Iraq has dwindled significantly in recent years, largely due to ongoing conflict, persecution, and economic challenges. This trend has raised concerns about the future presence and influence of Christianity in a region where it has historical roots dating back nearly two thousand years. The community in Iraq, which numbered around 1.5 million before 2003, has significantly decreased to an estimated 250,000 by recent reports up to 2023. The population of Iraq is more than 40 million.
On the 7th of April 2024, Rwanda commemorated, for the 30th time, the Genocide perpetrated against the Tutsi “Kwibuka30” (meaning to remember). The 1994 genocide perpetrated against the Tutsi was devastating. One million killed in a hundred days from a population of 7.5 million; the economy was destroyed and infrastructures were in shambles. Unlike the Holocaust, the genocide against the Tutsi was not committed by the military or paramilitary apparatus only, it was mainly committed by civilians, neighbours, friends and even family members, killing all Tutsi, from the baby in the cradle to the sicks and bedridden old people. For many observers, the country was gone forever and could not recover.
Failure of the international community
The responsibility of the international community was well established by historians. Some countries supported the genocidal government in 1994, others chose to look the other way and even some, especially permanent members of the UN Security Council, refused to act in the face of evil. The Department of Peacekeeping Operations of the United Nations is also to blame, as it rejected multiple alarms, before the genocide, by the UN Force commander on the ground.
However, the UN and most of those countries acknowledged their responsibility and presented their apologies to the Rwandan people. For our part, we chose to move on and establish good relations with those countries, based on the established historical facts, for the interest of our respective peoples.
Rebuilding a nation
However, the Government of National Unity, led by the RPF-Inkotanyi that stopped the genocide on 4th July 1994 put in place many reforms that led to significant achievements over the past thirty years, mainly an unexpected unity and reconciliation and an ambitious socio-economic transformation.
Under the visionary leadership of H.E. Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda, the government and the people of Rwanda carried out reforms in four critical sectors:
Unity and reconciliation
“Rwandan chose to stay united”, as proclaimed by President Kagame. The priority after the genocide was justice for the victims. However, this turned out to be a daunting task, given the huge number of victims and perpetrators, not to mention the millions of refugees, who included judges, lawyers, prosecutors and court clerks. In this context, the Government didn’t want punitive justice and opted for restorative justice, to achieve reconciliation.
This is why we put in place the traditional justice system “Gacaca”, which put forward light sentences, community works and forgiveness in exchange of truth and confession by the perpetrators. The Gacaca jurisdictions, which were in force since 2001 to 2012, turned out to be successful with more than two million adjudications.
Socio-economic transformation
After the genocide, Rwanda chose to do more than simple recovery and reconstruction. The government decided to embark in an unprecedented, ambitious and pragmatic journey for transformation. With many reforms carried out, Rwanda became, in most international rankings and economic publications, a reference point for socio-economic transformation and good governance, being regularly ranked in the top three countries in Africa.
Rwanda has now moved from Vision 2020 to Vision 2050. In 2000, the government adopted Vision 2020, which is an economic blueprint with targeted goals for the year 2020. This was a rapid economic growth to achieve middle income status ($1,240 GDP per capita) and increased poverty reduction (poverty reduced to 20%, extreme poverty eliminated). In this regard, GDP per capita increased from $220 in 2000 to over $1,000 in 2023, and Rwanda was the sixth fastest growing economy in Africa (7.5% p.a. since 2007).
From Vision 2020, Rwanda adopted Vision 2050, to ensure high standards of living for all Rwandans, especially to become an upper middle-income country ($4,035 GDP per capita) by 2035 and a high income country ($12,476) by 2050.
Good governance
Following three decades of ethnic and regional discrimination, which led the country to the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, the leadership of Rwanda put in place an inclusive governance and put an end to any form of discrimination. In 2013, Rwanda became the first country in the world with the highest rate of women in parliament (currently at 61%), which also includes seats reserved for the youth and the disabled. Significant reforms were also introduced to empower women (i.e. a constitutional 30% of positions in decision-making organs, succession rights) and to fight against gender-based violence (GBV).
The economic success of Rwanda was largely enabled by an efficient use of taxpayers and donors’ money, as well as a resolute fight against corruption. The Corruption Perception Index (CPI) of Transparency International regularly ranks Rwanda as the first least corrupt country in the East African Community and the fourth in Africa (behind Seychelles, Cabo Verde and Botswana).
H.E. Mr. Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe, Ambassador of Rwanda
Far-reaching diplomacy
Since the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, the diplomacy of the new government was ambitious and far-reaching, especially in six areas: 1) extension of bilateral relations (expansion of diplomatic relations worldwide); 2) African and regional integration (active role in the institutional and financial reform of the African Union, as well as regional economic communities); 3) active multilateral engagement (active role in UN negotiations on climate change and digital transformation, adhesion to the Commonwealth and hosting its summit in 2022, as well as current leadership of the Francophonie); 4) peacekeeping interventions (Rwanda became the 4th troops contributing country in UN peacekeeping missions, as well as bilateral contributor of troops in Central African Republic and Mozambique); 5) economic diplomacy (including partnership with popular football teams in Europe to promote tourism in Rwanda); and 6) people-centered diplomacy (mobilization of the Rwandan community abroad, partnership with the AU and UNHCR to receive refugees stranded in Libya, policy of visa on arrival for all citizens of the world except members of the AU, Francophonie and Commonwealth who are exempted for visa etc.)
Cooperation between Rwanda and the Dutch government and private sector
Cooperation between Rwanda and the Netherlands was successful over the past thirty (30) years. In the aftermath of the genocide, the Dutch government made a substantial contribution to the humanitarian relief, and urged other countries to honour their pledges, put aside mistrust and support the Rwandan Government.
The two countries cooperated mainly in the judicial sector, agriculture, water management, trade. In particular, the Netherlands has been a longstanding partner of Rwanda’s Justice, Reconciliation and Order Sector Institutions, providing a significant support towards the restoration and strengthening of the justice sector. More than 19 courtrooms were constructed and provided with modern equipment. At the same time, a big number of judges and prosecutors were trained in different legal matters. Moreover, the Dutch government supported Rwanda in the investigation, prosecution and/or extradition of genocide fugitives who had fled to the Netherlands.
As the Government of Rwanda strives for self-reliance, both countries decided to transition from aid to trade from 2018 to 2022. Now, the formal cooperation is minimal and the Multi-Annual Country Strategy 2023-2026 by the Dutch Government enounced two priorities, which are (1) international legal order, human rights and host national policy, as well as (2) sustainable trade and investment.
In this regard, it’s worth noting that in 2022, Rwanda’s total exports to the Netherlands were valued at around US$15 million consisting mainly of horticultural products, fresh roses and minerals. This amount has tripled over the past six (6) years, as it was only around US$ 5 million in 2018. Moreover, Rwanda, which is a touristic country, receives more and more tourists from the Netherlands, which is ranked 4th in the European Union (after France, Germany and Belgium).
Kwibuka 30
Commemoration and lessons learned from genocide
On 23rd December 2003, the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution A/RES/58/234, confirmed on 20th April 2020, establishing the date of 7 April as the “International Day on Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda”. The resolution further “[urged] Member States to develop educational programmes that will inculcate in future generations the lessons of the genocide in order to help to prevent future acts of genocide”.
Before and after this resolution, Rwanda developed a four-way strategy to preserve the memory of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi: 1) annual commemorations on 7th April and during the hundred days of remembrance, until the 3rd July; 2) establishment of genocide memorials, in Rwanda and abroad, including four that were inscribed last year in the UNESCO World Heritage; 3) education about genocide in schools in Rwanda and abroad, as well as a 4) laws criminalizing genocide denial, which was also enacted in France and in Rwanda.
This 30th commemoration of the genocide is an important milestone. We should note that today two Rwandans out of three were born after the genocide. This anniversary is therefore a generational turning point. While the work of healing and justice should continue, we have now a bigger responsibility of preservation of the memory and education, not only for the Rwandan young generation, but also for the world. As we speak, in this 21st century, people, in our region and beyond, are under threat of extermination.
Given our tragic experience, it’s unfortunate that the community of nations didn’t learn enough lessons about genocide but I still hope that humanity and responsibility will eventually prevail.
Fighting genocide denial
The UN resolution I was mentioning condemned “without reservation any denial of the genocide against the Tutsi ethnic group in Rwanda as a historical event in full or in part, as established by the Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda in 2006, rejects any denial of the genocide”.
This scourge of genocide denial was spread in the world by genocide fugitives, through their families, communities and friends, including so-called scholars. This 30th commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi provides an opportunity for the world to reflect on the lessons of the Genocide and the battle to preserve the integrity of the historical accounts of it. Indeed, there has been a concerted effort to minimize or deny the Genocide, using various tactics, ranging from questioning the numbers of victims, blaming the victims for causing the Genocide, and even suggesting that a double genocide took place.
These tactics are not new, as they have been deployed by perpetrators and deniers of other genocides since the Holocaust. But if we are not careful, this distortion of historical facts – supercharged by social media and AI tools now in the hands of deniers – could be deployed across the world, turning true history into contested debate.
Rwanda’s history has shaped Rwandan shared identity – this is why the historical clarity about the Genocide against the Tutsi is of national and international importance.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis made an official visit to India a while ago, noting that he is the first Greek Prime Minister to visit the country in 16 years. Mr. Mitsotakis and his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi, spoke of significant deepening of bilateral cooperation and a doubling of trade between Greece and India by 2030, during their joint statements after the meeting of the enlarged delegations of the two countries in New Delhi. The joint declaration between the two countries signed last August is in place, while the progress in deepening strategic cooperation in security, defense, and cybersecurity is also very important. It was emphasized that the economic corridor of India – Middle East – Europe has a future and is brighter, as “one only has to look at the map to see that Greece is India’s gateway to Europe”.
Additionally, Mr. Mitsotakis stated that “In order to achieve this, peace and stability must be achieved in the Middle East. We need to be more ambitious on trade too, doubling bilateral trade by 2030 – why not sooner.”
The Greek Prime Minister also pointed out that just as India is a pillar of stability in the wider Indo-Pacific Ocean region, Greece is a pillar of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, which brings the two countries closer together. He even added, among other things, that “we are focusing on renewable energy sources, shipping, infrastructure and we want to learn from the Indian miracle of IT. In Mr. Modi, I found a true friend and leader,” said the Prime Minister, noting that the relations between Greece and India will be strengthened due to the partnership agreement they signed. “I am sure that we will strengthen mobility in order to strengthen permanent immigration and combat trafficking,” added Mr. Mitsotakis.
Modi: “Extremely Satisfactory” Talks
The Indian Prime Minister referred, in his statements, to the visit he made to Athens last August and argued that the visit of Kyriakos Mitsotakis to India is an “amazing opportunity”. He even stated that today’s discussions were “extremely satisfactory,” underlining for his part that the goal is to double trade between the two countries by 2030. Mr. Modi also stated that there are new opportunities for cooperation in the field of defense as well, mobility, and migration. In addition, regarding the education sector, the Indian Prime Minister pointed out that special emphasis was placed on the interconnection of the universities of the two countries. He even added that it was decided to create a new action plan on the occasion of the 95th anniversary of the start of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Key Areas for Bilateral Cooperation
The two leaders also discussed the goal of more systematic contact and interconnection between Greek and Indian businesses. In addition, special mention was made of strengthening cooperation in the fields of high technology, digitization, startups, as well as infrastructure and logistics centers, a sector in which, as underlined by Kyriakos Mitsotakis, there are great opportunities for Indian companies, due to the strategic position of Greece. Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Narendra Modi also exchanged views on cooperation in defense, education, and culture, especially on the protection of cultural monuments. Possibilities of cooperation in “green” energy and in the agricultural sector were also discussed, while the two leaders expressed their will to complete the bilateral Mobility Agreement in the near future. Indians attach great importance to the official visit of the Greek Prime Minister and the strengthening of bilateral relations as part of their strategy to upgrade economic relations overall with Europe.
Business Contacts
During the first day of the conference, where the official presentation of Greece and the economic and investment opportunities it offers took place, it is estimated that more than 300 meetings were held between the representatives of the Greek companies participating in the mission and their counterparts from India, and signed memoranda of cooperation between Joist Innovation Park, the Innovation Park operating in Larissa, with Adani University.
“Our countries have a long history of cooperation and friendship. And as they are people of the sea, we recognize the need to strengthen our cooperation. “Greece can become a European gateway for India,” stressed, among other things, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, responsible for economic diplomacy, Mr. Costas Fragogiannis, during his speech on cooperation between the two sides in matters of shipping and the so-called “blue economy”, where the “GrECO islands” program was also presented.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.Photos are from the Greek Prime’s Minister press offic
Official Visit of the Head of the Greek Army (GEETHA) to India – A Military Cooperation Agreement was Signed
An official visit to India was made on April 11 by the head of the GEETHA, General Dimitrios Houpis, at the invitation of his counterpart, General Anil Chauhan. The two leaders, in their meeting, had the opportunity to discuss issues of common interest, which included, among others, the emerging situation at the regional and international level, as well as the emerging security challenges as a result of the prevailing foci of instability around the globe.
The Air Force chief also met Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar, as well as Vice Chief of the Army Staff Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi, with whom they discussed operational issues, emphasizing at the same time the special value of the military cooperation of the two countries. In the context of the visit of the head of the Greek Armed Forces, the Greece-India military cooperation program was signed for the first time, which includes a number of activities that will be carried out in both countries, which are expected to strengthen military cooperation and excellent relations between them, the announcement added.
The GEETHA leader laid a wreath at the National War Memorial in New Delhi, while he had the opportunity for a private meeting with the Greek ambassador to India, Aliki Koutsomitopoulou, with whom they discussed international developments in the wider region, as well as the relations between two countries. India has friendly and cordial relations with Greece and recognizes the historical contribution of our country to world culture, while their military cooperation will be in the common interest of the two countries.
The India-Greece partnership could be a win-win situation for both countries, especially Greece, which will have a new powerful ally like India to counter the Turkey-Pakistan alliance in the Aegean and the SE Mediterranean. The conduct of joint air exercises between Greece and India would result in the familiarization of dealing with the F-16s from the Indian RAFALE, a fact very beneficial for the Indian pilots in order to deal with the “Pakistani” F-16s. Greece and India can collaborate on drone defense technologies to counter the drone threat posed by Turkey and Pakistan.
Eurojust has assisted national authorities across Europe in tackling a massive fraud involving fake investments in cannabis plants for medicinal use. Two linked criminal organisations that advertised the scheme online and laundered the profits, which are estimated to be approximately EUR 645 million, have been dismantled. In a coordinated action, nine suspects have been arrested. Eurojust supported authorities in Germany, Spain and France in setting up a joint investigation team (JIT) into the fraud.
In Germany, France and Spain alone, over 4 500 victims have lodged formal complaints against the fraudsters, who set up a crowd-funding programme to raise a minimum of EUR 50 per investor for the development of medicinal cannabis plants. In reality, no cannabis plants were ever bought, although the organisers of the scheme pretended to work with legitimate and licensed enterprises that would cultivate them. The fraud ran from at least January 2020 to July 2022.
The entire scheme had the character of a pyramid or ‘Ponzi fraud’ and promised extremely high returns on investment. Investigations in Germany and Spain, later followed by counterparts in other countries across Europe, showed that investors had been only partially paid.
Most of the invested money was used to pay affiliates, keep the scheme running and expand the fraud through extensive online campaigns. For this purpose and to launder the proceeds, a web of international enterprises was used. The scheme itself appears to have been run by a Russian criminal network, with an affiliated German-based crime group.
Victims in Germany and Spain claim to have lost at least EUR 51.5 million, but the total investment is estimated to be close to EUR 645 million. In total, around 550 000 participants worldwide were registered as online investors, most of them European citizens. Around 186 000 participants transferred funds, either via cryptocurrencies or bank transfers.
Since 2022, Eurojust has been extensively supporting the national authorities, including assisting the German, Spanish and French authorities in setting up and funding the JIT. This led to a successful Joint Action Day coordinated at Eurojust.
At the request of the German and Spanish authorities, in recent days operational actions against the criminal networks were also carried out in Estonia, Latvia, Italy, Malta, Poland, Portugal, the United Kingdom and the Dominican Republic. The French authorities made a decisive contribution to the analysis of crypto flows during the investigations and took part in searches in Germany and Spain on the action day.
Europol supported this massive cross-border investigation from the outset, taking the lead in operational coordination and providing tailored analytical support. Furthermore, Europol shared results of the financial investigations as well as other intelligence with the involved countries. On the action day, Europol deployed officers with mobile offices to various locations worldwide.
During the action days, over thirty places were also searched and for several millions of Euros in crypto assets and bank accounts were frozen. Also real estate properties, luxury vehicles, artwork, cash and various luxury items were seized, as well as large numbers of electronic devices and documents.
The operations were carried out on the ground at request of and by:
Germany: Public Prosecutor’s Office Berlin; Criminal Investigation Department Berlin (LKA)
Spain: Central Investigative Judge no. 6 at the Audiencia Nacional; National Police (Policia Nacional – UDEF Central Brigade against Economic Crime, Financial Fraud Group)
France: Paris’ Prosecutor’s Office JUNALCO (National Jurisdiction against Organised Crime); Gendarmerie National (Research Section Rennes)
Estonia: Office of the Prosecutor General; Police and Border Guard Board
Latvia: Prosecutor General’s Office; International Cooperation Department and Economic Crime Enforcement Department of the Central Criminal Police Department of the State Police
Italy: Postal Police Service of the National Police – Operational Section for Cyber Security, Macerata, and Operational Centre for Cybersecurity of Marche
Malta: Malta Police Force – International Relations Unit
Poland: Public Prosecutor’s Offices of Jelenia Góra, Lublin, Warsaw, Warsaw Praga and Wrocław; Central Bureau for Combating Cybercrime
Portugal: Central Public Prosecutor’s Office Lisbon (DCIAP); Judicial Police (Policia Judiciária)United Kingdom: National Crime Agency
Five members of an organised crime group (OCG) responsible for the largest ever fraud against the United Kingdom benefit system have been convicted. The suspects, all Bulgarian nationals, have pleaded guilty to fraud and money laundering offences at the Wood Green Crown Court. The damage caused by the scam is estimated at more than GBP 50 million (EUR 58 million).
The Agency supported the case and assisted the UK and Bulgarian authorities in setting up and funding a joint investigation team (JIT) into the case.
Between October 2016 and May 2021, the OCG made thousands of false claims for Universal Credit (UK social security payment) using either real people or hijacked identities. These claims were supported by an array of forged documents, including fictitious tenancy agreements, counterfeit payslips and forged letters from landlords, employers and GPs. If the claims were rejected, the fraudsters would try again and again until they were granted.
The money gained from these fraudulent claims was then laundered by moving it between several accounts through numerous transfers.
In some cases, the OCG leaders recruited people from Bulgaria, obtained their identity documents and paid them a share of the proceeds from the false benefit claims made on their behalf. The recruits then returned to Bulgaria with the proceeds of their crimes, which alerted the Bulgarian authorities.
The suspects were first arrested in the United Kingdom on 5 May 2021. Following his release under investigation, one of the five defendants fled to Bulgaria. As a result of collaborative work between the UK and Bulgarian authorities, the suspect was extradited back to the United Kingdom on 25 February 2023 to face justice.
The case was opened at Eurojust in June 2021 at the request of the UK authorities. Two coordination meetings were hosted by the Agency to coordinate the national investigations and discuss judicial cooperation matters, including the surrender of suspects and asset recovery.
A JIT was set up between the UK and Bulgarian authorities with the support of Eurojust in January 2022. The JIT has enabled the direct exchange of evidence between authorities, especially banking evidence, to support the recovery and confiscation of assets.
The following authorities took part in this investigation:
Bulgaria: District Prosecutor’s Office- Sliven
UnitedKingdom: Crown Prosecution Service, Department for Work and Pensions
On March 26, 2024, the Embassy of Bangladesh in the Netherlands organized a reception at the Marriott Hotel in The Hague to celebrate the 53rd anniversary of Independence. The event was attended by a significant number of guests who came together to felicitate H.E. Ambassador M. Riaz Hamidullah on this special occasion.
Many politicians, academics, entrepreneurs, NGO representatives, business persons, government officials, ambassadors, expatriates, and Bangladesh professionals attended the celebration.
The Ambassador of Bangladesh, H.E. Mr. Riaz Hamidullah, and his spouse Sazia Ahmed, welcome the many guests.
The guest of honour was Prof. Dr. Jan Peter Balkenende, a former Dutch Prime Minister and Minister of State.
In his welcome speech,H.E. Ambassador M. Riaz Hamidullahbriefly underlined the ways the ties shaped in the past five decades, our shared values and how Bangladesh intends to engage with the Netherlands in the time ahead.
The Ambassador recalled the contribution of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, “the architect of our independence. Defying many odds, Bangladesh made notable strides. Much of this is credited to political and social stability aside from sustained and equitable economic growth thanks to the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
In positioning Bangladesh with her value-driven policies, we firmly hold on to democracy, pluralism and secularism. The Ambassador also mentioned that Bangladesh – Netherlands ties as also a vision of global well-being premised on shared prosperity – be it sustainable development, tackling climate change or advancing circularity.”
Prof. Dr. Jan Peter Balkenende.
The highlight of the evening was the remarks made by Prof. Dr. Jan Peter Balkenende. He began his speech by recalling the visionary leadership of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Balkenende also drew a comparison between Bangabandhu and the Dutch Father of the Nations in terms of their leadership and tragic demise. He then read out a quote from Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on the Unfinished Memoir of Bangabandhu, from a daughter’s perspective. Balkenende praised the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and how she is working hard to materialize her father’s dream, and also highlighted Bangladesh’s economic progress over the years and its potential for trade and investment as a growing economy. The presence and remarks of Dr Balkenende moved the audience, resulting in spontaneous applause.
The festivities concluded with an (iftar) dinner that included a variety of delicious Bangladeshi dishes like Kacchi biriyani, polao, chicken korma, dal, vegetables, fish, chop, and homemade sweets.
“We were also considerate of the holy month of Ramadan and ensured that iftar items were available for guests who were fasting. The aim was to create a delightful culinary experience while keeping in mind the religious observances of our guests.”
At the end of the event, every guest received a handcrafted jute placemat created by the Bangladeshi entrepreneur Beni Boonon.
Based on all of this, we can confidently state that our National Day 2024 celebration left a lasting impression on the memories of all the attendees.
This work is based on bibliographic research and on exclusive interviews with Lawrence Susskind*, Director of the Massuchusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Science Impact Collaborative (People), and with Pedro Figueroa**, President of DiploCientifica (Quiénes Somos).
While the concept of Science Diplomacy (SD) emerged in the early 21st century (Arnaldi, Tessarolo, p.8), it had already been previously carried out (Domingues, Neto 2017, p. 612). Even though there is no single definition garnering the unanimous acceptance of experts (Eigner July 2023, p.1), SD can be understood according to three aspects (New Frontiers inScience Diplomacy: Navigating the Changing Balance of Power January 2010, p. VI):
– Science in diplomacy: scientific advice in relation to foreign policy – Diplomacy for science: diplomatic activities aimed at facilitating international scientific collaboration – Science for diplomacy: the use of science cooperation to forge international relations between countries.
There are often SD activities where these three aspects are simultaneously present (Eigner July 2023, p. 3).
SD’s notable expansion, both in the practical sphere and in the field of academic research, is due to its growing importance as part of foreign policy (Krasnyak May 16, 2019). Lawrence Susskind points out that there are several diplomatic academies scattered worldwide (Europe, Latin America and the Middle East, for instance) where SD is present in many of their training programs. In the view of Pedro Figueroa, SD is not addressed in the same way in every country in the world, since the various specificities need to be considered.
The global challenges that are part of the international agenda, such as biodiversity, human health and climate stability, have contributed, to a great extent, toward SD’s current prominence (Ruffini 2020). These and other challenges are presented as being insurmountable by a single country, hence the call for international scientific collaboration (Ruffini 2020). Somehow, SD is globalized (Robinson, et alii August 2023) and related to global governance (Legrand, Stone March 7, 2018), but, in reality, SD can also serve national interests (Ruffin, Ruland July 14, 2022).
Lawrence Susskind notes that collaborative actions intended to promote SD in the international sphere are growing rapidly. To this end, Susskind stresses that a few organizations, such as the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and international development banks, are trying to get countries to engage in greater cooperation, in order to jointly be able to develop their SD capabilities. According to this MIT Professor, multilateral or global organizations need SD staff who often come from national departments and agencies. Susskind feels it would be a serious mistake for said staff to be set up solely by global North experts.
SD practitioners, at times called science diplomats, are all those who, whether officially or unofficially performing diplomatic duties, act in spheres where science and diplomacy intersect (Ruffini 2020). Formally, SD, at embassies, can be conducted, for example, by attachés and counselors (What Kind of Science Diplomats Are There?). To further exemplify, and in institutional terms, SD can also include representatives from research organizations who have been sent abroad (What Kind of Science Diplomats Are There?). The way Pedro Figueroa sees it, professionals in the sphere of foreign affairs, striving to leave their comfort zone, should be interested in science and technology. However, according to this interviewee, the reverse is also valid; that is, science-related professionals should also show interest in foreign affairs.
There are several examples of non-institutional SD practitioners: inter alia, scientists, directors and managers of research centers (What Kind of Science Diplomats Are There?). The importance of scientists taking part in SD should be underscored (The Science in Science Diplomacy: Perspectives from Peter McGrath from TWAS September 17, 2020). Lawrence Susskind maintains that said scientists need to be suited to participate in international or global negotiations which basically comprise a political nature. This is why, according to Susskind, currently presidents or prime-ministers have senior advisers, as part of an interdisciplinary staff, especially prepared to take part in resolving conflicts and in science-intensive policy negotiations.
Susskind states that, as part of advanced academic training in science and engineering, there is little to no instruction in SD. This scholar adds that, actually, many universities refrain from including, in their traditional science and engineering programs, negotiation / conflict management, policy analysis and diplomatic studies. Lawrence Susskind reveals that he is seeking to obtain philanthropic grants to fund the creation, on the Internet, of SD training programs to be made available free of charge worldwide, in the form of a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC). This way, as Susskind intends, students will no longer depend on their universities for the additional training they need.
Soft power
The signing, with media coverage, of an international cooperation agreement, in the areas of science and technology, constitutes an opportunity to convey a message to the other country’s people (Dolan December 2012). SD can be envisaged as a soft power and public diplomacy instrument (Freeman March 2019, p. 4), at times with long-term effects (Koch-Krumrei January 2022, p. 17), such that the countries become internationally attractive and influential. SD needs to be regarded as an important tool of any country, regardless of their size or wealth (Gluckman, et alii December 2017).
Science can serve for small countries to boost their relevance within the international context (Gluckman, et alii December 2017). Pedro Figueroa notes that science and technology produced in a country contribute toward heightening international reputation. The President of DiploCientifica believes that countries that are able to be identified as lands of science will, over time, grow their soft power, in the international setting, given that most people enjoy science and technology.
Collaboration / competition
An in-depth analysis of SD should start off by concerning various stakeholders and their interests (Fagersten 2022, p. 7). Conflicts of interest can occur between scientists and diplomats (Young, et alii September 2020, p. 6). Scientists fear being manipulated by diplomats and by politicians who uphold national and political interests different from theirs (Young, et alii September 2020, p. 6).
SD is a means to attain a variety of objectives (Fagersten 2022, p. 7). On the one hand, SD is related to countries’ international cooperation in tackling global problems (Young, et alii September 2020, p. 5). On the other hand, SD also comprises a dimension of international competition in the scientific field (Young, et alii September 2020, p. 5). According to Pedro Figueroa, advances in Science and Technology are the fruit of a delicate balance between competition and cooperation. Figueroa underscores that science diplomats need to strive to increase, internationally, freedom of research among collaborators. Still, this interviewee adds that researchers should not be naïve and, as such, must remain attentive to the advantages that international partners wish to obtain.
According to Eigner (July 2023, p. 4), SD activities aim to achieve a competitive edge in relation to other States, concerning science and technology as well as the economic results of all this. However, said activities can also foster exchange, both individually and institutionally, thereby contributing toward international harmony (Eigner July 2023, p. 4). Combining the sphere of science and technology with the field of international affairs entails being able to find common interests (Young, et alii September 2020, p. 6). According to various experts, this can be pivotal for preventing conflicts between civilizations and for the progress of Humankind (Young, et alii September 2020, p. 6|
As seen, the concept of SD can be viewed under several perspectives. In the days of the Cold War, there was a separation between the agendas of cultural and military attachés which the term Science Diplomacy put an end to (Olsáková, Robinson March 20, 2022). SD includes soft power and hard power in international relations (Olsáková, Robinson March 20, 2022). With this comprehensiveness, SD generates tensions in times of crisis and, as a concept, it works very well within a context of peace (Olsáková, Robinson March 20, 2022). From the standpoint of Olsáková and Robinson (March 20, 2022), SD’s primary mission is to uphold national interests. These experts realize that presenting science as being synonymous with peace is a myth of SD (Olsáková, Robinson March 20, 2022).
To Pedro Figueroa, one of the pivotal aspects of SD consists of lending support to decision-making, as part of foreign policy, by providing scientific evidence. Figueroa feels this science- and technology-based advice can contribute toward coming up with more peaceful solutions to disputes between countries. This expert maintains that many of the current international conflicts could be better addressed and prevented if diplomats brought more science to the negotiating table.
In relation to the current international scenario, Jan Marco Muller believes that, specifically, the military conflict between Russia and Ukraine displayed SD’s soft power limits, with weapons taking center stage and with States against this war suspending formal cooperation with Russian universities and research centers (Whiffen June 2022). Nonetheless, Muller argues that it still remains important to maintain interpersonal contacts with Russian scientists without endangering anyone (Whiffen June 2022). These contacts, according to Muller, will bear their fruits, with contribution from SD, when said conflict ends (Whiffen June 2022). Various experts, such as Aukes and Kuhlmann (February 2022, p. 20), highlight SD’s ability to keep communication channels open between geopolitical adversaries. However, it is not easy to develop scientific cooperation without conveying significant knowledge to an adversary power (Aukes, Kuhlmann February 2022, p. 20). This can raise a dilemma and, since there is no general formula, the decision whether or not to begin SD activities should go by way of pondering diverse specific factors of each situation in particular (Aukes, Kuhlmann February 2022, p. 20).
The depth of changes in SD can outweigh the current Russian-Ukrainian military conflict, namely science’s tendency to be increasingly regarded as a national asset and less deemed something that is shared globally (Kurbalija April 15, 2022). This can be exemplified with the security permissions that various universities and research centers are rolling out, chiefly in domains with military importance, such as, inter alia, biotechnology, artificial intelligence and physics (Kurbalija April 15, 2022). Although said tendency is a reality, the wish for SD to remain linked to peace must not wane. (Kurbalija April 15, 2022). Lawrence Susskind states that, in the field of SD, there are many players whose main aim is to arrive at a peaceful resolution to national differences or, in other words, to prevent war. Susskind realizes that, for instance, the solution to the dispute over Arctic fishing resources by countries in the region, according to their national interests, will go by way of science collaborative efforts pointing to sustainable growth and collective management of the common pool resource.
Portuguese Science Diplomacy
At government level, interministerial cooperation is vital to SD’s success. This is seen in countries such as France, where the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs cooperates with the Ministry of Higher Education and Research (Scientific Diplomacy). In another Member State of the European Union, Portugal, Pinto (May-October 2022, p. 99) conducted work for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and for the Ministry of Science, Technology and Higher Education, under the topic of SD. This somehow also serves to exemplify the need to coordinate a variety of sectors of society, including in terms of the various Government ministries, so that SD yields positive fruits.
Pinto (May-October 2022, p. 99 / 104) considers that Portuguese SD is defined in Council of Ministers Resolution No. 78/2016, November 30. This document holds that SD consists of using resources and initiatives from the field of science and technology, coherently and consistently, as part of Portugal’s European and foreign policy, in order to pursue this policy’s aims and, specifically, promote the nation’s image and interests (Presidência do Conselho de Ministros – Resolução do Conselho de Ministros Nº 78/2016, p. 4253). Said Resolution adds that Portuguese SD should also foster opportunities for not only knowledge, communication and mutual collaboration, between Portugal and other countries, but also contacts between their peoples as well as public diplomacy (Presidência do Conselho de Ministros – Resolução do Conselho de Ministros Nº 78/2016, p. 4253).
The legal document under analysis determines that the internationalization of science, technology and higher education in Portugal should be led by rulers responsible for the areas of foreign affairs and science, technology and higher education (Presidência do Conselho de Ministros – Resolução do Conselho de Ministros Nº 78/2016, p. 4253). Portuguese embassies and consulates are assigned initiatives for promoting the nation’s resources and opportunities, in the sphere of science and higher education, while highlighting the use of their sites (Presidência do Conselho de Ministros – Resolução do Conselho de Ministros Nº 78/2016, p. 4253). The Ministry of Science, Technology and Higher Education, through the Science and Technology Foundation and in conjunction with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, can, at Portuguese embassies, when such is appropriate, set up postdoctoral researchers serving as scientific advisers (Presidência do Conselho de Ministros – Resolução do Conselho de Ministros Nº 78/2016, p. 4253).
On the basis of the aforementioned Resolution, Pinto and Ferreira-Pereira (May 2023, p.10) point to the Atlantic Ocean and the Portuguese language and culture as priorities of Portugal’s SD. Particularly targeted in this context are the Portuguese-Speaking African Countries (PSAC) and East Timor (Pinto, Ferreira-Pereira May 2023, p.10). Portugal’s SD makes use of that which the European Union puts at its disposal to further its relations with the PSAC (Pinto, Ferreira-Pereira May 2023, p.16). With Portugal as a European Union Member-State, its ability to relate to the various Portuguese-speaking countries is positive for all parties involved (Pinto, Ferreira-Pereira May 2023, p.16).
For the Portuguese SD, the national scientific diaspora is relevant (Lacerda, et alii August 2, 2023). This occurs, for instance, with the development of a non-formal and non-hierarchical collaboration, in the time of Brexit, between Portuguese diplomats and the nation’s scientific diaspora in the United Kingdom (Lacerda, et alii August 2, 2023). The Science and Technology Foundation is committed to forging relations with Portuguese scientists working abroad and to attracting them to jobs in their country of origin (Presidência do Conselho deMinistros – Resolução do Conselho de Ministros Nº 78/2016, p. 4253). The State Secretary’s Office for the Portuguese Communities is tasked with stimulating and supporting academic / scientific associations overseas (Presidência do Conselho de Ministros – Resolução do Conselho de Ministros Nº 78/2016, p. 4253). As part of this, there are associations in several countries, such as the following: AGRAFr (France); AGRAPS (Switzerland); APEI Benelux (Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg); ASPPA (Germany); Nordic Spot (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden); PAPS (United States of America and Canada); PARSUK (United Kingdom) (Pinto May-October 2022, p. 105). By maintaining some connection to Portugal, these associations can be important for this country’s progress (Pinto May-October 2022, p. 114).
Conclusion
SD is increasingly important in the domain of foreign policy. The idea that there are global challenges that cannot be overcome by a single country on its own, but, rather, through international scientific cooperation, contributes toward SD’s current importance. This kind of diplomacy can also be viewed as serving national interests. Indeed, in the field of science, there is cooperation and competition among countries. As a public diplomacy / soft power instrument, SD contributes toward the influence, attraction and international prestige of countries, regardless of their size, though the results at times take a while to appear.
In terms of both national and international organizations, SD capabilities need to be boosted. It is appropriate for professionals in the area of foreign policy to show interest in science / technology and for science-related professionals to also be interested in foreign affairs. Some conflicts of interest can arise between diplomats and scientists. The latter may fear being manipulated by politicians.
The statements whereby SD favors peace or that science is synonymous with peace could generate some controversy. On the one hand, in the sphere of SD, there are several players seeking to prevent war, by coming up with peaceful solutions to conflicts resulting from different national interests. On the other hand, as part of international relations, SD also includes hard power, which can be especially important in times of war. Still, even in times of tension between geopolitical adversaries, SD is assigned the ability to keep communication channels open.
SD is carried out differently in various parts of the world, depending on the specificities of different countries. In Portugal, with regard to SD, in terms of the Government, there is interministerial coordination, namely, for instance, between the Ministry of Science, Technology and Higher Education and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Considering Portugal’s history, the SD of this member-state of the European Union favors relations with the Portuguese-Speaking African Countries and East Timor. Portugal’s SD also seeks to make use of the Portuguese scientific diaspora.
About the authors:
Jorge Marinho
Jorge Marinho – PhD in Communication Sciences, BA in International Journalism.
e-mail: marinho.mediaanalysis@gmail.com
Júlio Ventura
Júlio Ventura – MA in Political Science and International Relations, BA in Law, member of the European Parliament trainee (Brussels, Belgium)
Lourenço Ribeiro
Lourenço Ribeiro – BA in Sociology, MA student in Public Policy at Iscte – University Institute of Lisbon (Portugal)
The Hague 24 March 2024. Pakistan Embassy in the Netherlands has organized the first solo exhibition of Pakistan’s leading visual artist Imran Qureshi at the prestigious Pulchri Studio. The show titled “Scattered Yet Together” continued till 14 April 2024.
The exhibition was officially opened by the ambassador of Pakistan H.E.Ambassador Suljuk Mustansar Tarar, Ms. Marieta Reijerkero Chairperson of Pulchri Studio, and artist Mr. Imran Qureshi.
An “Artist Talk” with Mr. Imran Qureshi.
Ms. Marieta Reijerkero Chairperson of Pulchri Studio, in her opening remarks said that she was glad to see work of a leading Pakistani artist displayed and it was a result of two yearlong discussions with Ambassador Tarar.
Mr. Wouter Jurgens, Director for department of Asia and Oceania at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ambassador of Pakistan, H.E. Mr. Suljuk Mustansar Tarar.
An “Artist Talk” with Mr. Imran Qureshi was also organized alongside the opening ceremony.
Ambassador Suljuk Mustansar Tarar gave an overview of how the exhibition had been curated and current status of contemporary art in Pakistan. He mentioned different genres of works and how contemporary miniature painting from Pakistan has become a global art movement. Ambassador Tarar also highlighted the cultural links between Pakistan and the Netherlands and that Pakistani visual artists like others in the world have been inspired by the Dutch masters during their education or careers.
Mr. Imran Qureshi during the talk shared how he joined the Miniature Department at National College of Arts, Lahore which was at that time one of the only places offering a graduate degree in Miniature painting. He recalled his different large-scale projects including the rooftop commission at New York’s Metropolitan Museum and how he used skills of traditional miniature in evolving a large-scale contemporary work of art.
The Ambassador of Pakistan, Pakistani artist Imran Qureshi, Ambassador Dewi van der weerd, Ambassador for International cultural cooperation.
The talk and exhibition opening was attended by a large number of people. It included high ranking officials from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including Mr. Wouter Jurgens, Director for department of Asia and Oceania, Ambassador Dewi van der weerd, Ambassador for International cultural cooperation, Ambassador Bea ten Tusscher, the Dutch Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion and Belief, H.E. Ambassador Joanna Roper, British Ambassador to The Hague, Ambassador Thomas Drew, former British High Commissioner to Pakistan, representative from Rijksmuseum, artists, and representatives from different galleries and museums in The Hague.
Pulchri Studio is a Dutch art society established in 1847 and is housed in its current building since 1901. It is a gallery space frequently used for multiple exhibition and visited by the locals and tourists alike.
Ambassador Tarar and Ambassador Bea ten Tusscher, the Dutch Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion and Belief.
Pakistan and the Netherlands enjoy good bilateral relations. Both countries marked 75 years of their diplomatic relations in 2023. “Scattered Yet Together” is a Public and Cultural Diplomacy initiative by Pakistan Embassy the Netherlands to introduce Pakistani art, culture and heritage to the people of the Netherlands.
H.E. Ambassador Joanna Roper, British Ambassador to The Hague at Imran Qureshi’s exhibition titled “Scattered Yet Together”.
Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius speaks at Kwibuka30 Commemoration in Amsterdam
Today, Rwanda marks 30 years since the Genocide against the Tutsi. “Kwibuka”, which means to remember, is an annual period of solemn reflection when we come together to honour the victims, unite in our collective grief and renew our commitment to continue to build a better future for all Rwandans.
It started this morning at the Genocide Memorial site located in the Beatrix Park in Amsterdam. The memorial site is a place for survivors and the larger Rwandan community in the Netherlands to remember their loved ones and to pay tribute to more than one million victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. H.E. Ambassador Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe, together with representatives of the Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security, IBUKA-Netherlands, the Rwanda Community in the Netherlands, the Amsterdam South District, the Diplomatic Corps, the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, the Permanent Court of Arbitration and the Common Fund for Commodities, laid wreaths, which was followed by a one-minute silence observed in remembrance of the fallen.
Rwanda marks 30 years since the Genocide against the Tutsi, Beatrix Park in Amsterdam.
All guests joined Ambassador Nduhungirehe in the Walk to Remember through the Beatrix Park. The Walk was followed by the official commemoration ceremony at the RAI Exhibition Center.
The commemoration was attended by more than 250 guests, including guest of honour H.E. Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius, Ministry of Justice & Security of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the diplomatic community, Rwandan nationals living in the Netherlands, friends of Rwanda and many others.
Ms. Christine Safari, President of IBUKA, H.E. Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius, Ministrer of Justice & Security of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, H.E. Mr. Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe, Ambassador of Rwanda and his spouse.
The official commemoration ceremony started with lighting of the candles, representing the ever-shining lights of the victims and this was followed by a speech given by Mrs Christine Safari, President of IBUKA (survivors’ association in the Netherlands), a testimony by Virginie Ingabire and a speech by Hester van Buren, Deputy Mayor of the City of Amsterdam.
The official program continued with the speech by guest of honour Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius and she said that Rwanda and its people have shown immense resilience in the past 30 years. “It is crucial to commemorate and keep the memory alive, not only for new generations in Rwanda, but for the entire international community”. The minister also stated that it is of importance to work together in the fight against impunity.
Commemoration 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in the Netherlands.
The minister’s address was followed by the speech from Ambassador Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe, who stated that this commemoration is not a Rwandan day only, it’s the “International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda”, as adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in a resolution of December 2003, reaffirmed in April 2020.
The theme of the commemoration remains the same: “Remember – Unite – Renew”. We remember our loved ones slain during the genocide, we unite as a healed and reconciled people, and we renew as a society that thrives for socio-economic transformation, good governance and self-reliance.
Kwibuka 30, Amsterdam 2024.
“As we mark the 30th anniversary of the genocide, it is important to recall that since 1994, the Kingdom of the Netherlands played a critical role in putting Rwanda’s judiciary back on its feet. That judicial cooperation with Rwanda was particularly successful on three main fronts. First, the reparation, the building and equipment of our judicial infrastructure; second, the training of the much-needed judicial personnel; and third, the investigation, extradition or prosecution of genocide fugitives who fled to the Netherlands. Rwanda will forever be grateful to the Netherlands for this successful cooperation, and we pledge to continue working with the Dutch Government to hold accountable the remaining fugitives, in order to definitely turn that page of our history”, the ambassador told the audience in Amsterdam today.
In the picture the ambassadors of Morocco, H.E. Mohamed Basri, the ambassador of France, H.E. Mr. François Alabrune and H.E. Mr Greg French, Ambassador of Australia.
“This 30th commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi provides an opportunity for the world to reflect on the lessons of the genocide and the battle to preserve the integrity of the historical accounts of this crime. Indeed, there has been a concerted effort to minimize or deny the genocide, using various tactics, ranging from refusing to name the group that was targeted during the genocide, questioning the numbers of victims, blaming them for causing the genocide, and even suggesting that a double genocide took place in Rwanda”, Ambassador Nduhungirehe continued.
H.E. Mr. Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe, Ambassador of Rwanda.
“These tactics are not new, as they have been deployed by perpetrators and deniers of other established genocides. But if we are not careful, this distortion of historical facts could be deployed across the world, turning true history into contested debate. Rwanda’s history has shaped Rwandan shared identity – this is why the historical clarity about the Genocide against the Tutsi is of national and international importance. In this regard, the Genocide memorial that was inaugurated last year at Beatrix Park in Amsterdam, as well as all our genocide memorials in Rwanda and abroad, including the four (4) that were designated last year as UNESCO world heritage sites, are vital to anchoring the truth, which is essential to reconciliation and renewal”, the ambassador said.
H.E. Ambassador Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe concluded to take the opportunity to thank the guest of honour Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius, IBUKA-Netherlands and the Rwandan Diaspora association in the Netherlands for organizing this annual event in cooperation with the Embassy.
The importance of intelligence services in the area of foreign policy comprises the central topic of this work, most notably relations between intelligence analysts and policymakers. To this end, issues are addressed regarding professional ethics and politicization of intelligence services. This piece results from an exclusive interview with Eric Denécé*, Director of the French Centre for Intelligence Studies (CF2R).
According to data provided by Eric Denécé, Director of the French Centre for Intelligence Studies (CF2R), he performed the following duties, inter alia:
-Naval Intelligence Officer (analyst) / Strategic Evaluation Division – General Secretariat of the French National Defense
-Consultant to the French Defense Ministry in projects linked to the future of the French Special Forces and South China Sea disputes
-Served various French and European companies on intelligence, counterintelligence, information operations and risk management issues in Europe and Asia
-In France, he lectured in the field of intelligence at Ecole Nationale d’Administration, National Defence College, Air Force College and Military School for Overseas and Foreign Assignments.
Interview
– Considering the entire intelligence cycle, to what extent is the analysis stage important?
Eric Denécé (ED): All phases of the intelligence cycle are important, analysis as much as any other, and no more than any other. Indeed, if a problem is poorly posed and the lines of research poorly defined, information gathering cannot be effective. Sometimes, even though the objectives are clearly defined, the process fails to produce results (inaccessible secrets or operational failure). Analysis can only be carried out if the information gathered by human or technical means is available.
It’s true that Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) has changed the situation, as an analysis service can now produce a result from open resources. But that’s not what we’re asking of an intelligence service, otherwise academics with a mastery of intelligence techniques would suffice!
In reality, there are two complementary but very different approaches in the intelligence field: research (using human or technical resources), i.e. the ability to access information protected by an adversary or competitor; and analysis, which is the ability to make sense of a set of data, secret or not, in the context of answering a question posed by the authorities, political or military.
– In your view, what features should be present in a good intelligence analyst in order to support a certain country’s foreign policy?
ED: The qualities required of a good analyst, whatever the subject (foreign policy is far from being the only one) are, in my opinion, the following:
– culture, both general and specialized, as he or she must be both an expert in his or her field, but also capable of widening his or her field of reflection to other areas
– a good knowledge of what fieldwork is (which is not his or her own), but which enables him or her to understand the possibilities and limits of human and technical research.
– intuition, deductive and inductive skills, the ability to make inferences,
– doubt, because he must assume that facts are often manipulated or distorted, or that his adversary is trying to intoxicate him. He must constantly look beyond appearances.
– stubbornness, because you must never be satisfied with the facts at hand; you must constantly re-investigate to get an accurate picture of the situation (while respecting the deadlines set for your mission).
– analytical and synthesizing skills, writing skills and the ability to clearly express what they know, what they don’t know and what they should continue to investigate.
– How relevant is the professional ethics of someone working in intelligence services, especially regarding analysts?
ED: To understand how ethics work in the world of intelligence, it is essential to differentiate between two things:
On the one hand, the ethics of intelligence, i.e. the very vocation of the discipline, whose purpose may be more or less easily accepted by a society, depending on its history, values and situation. The process of gathering information is in no way open to criticism. On the other hand, it can become so if the means used to achieve it are concealed, questionable or illegal.
On the other hand, the ethics of intelligence, which concern professional practices and the spirit in which the men and women who have chosen this path carry them out. But it is difficult to talk about ethics without considering each of the intelligence professions separately. Indeed, the question arises in very different ways, depending on the function under consideration:
– the ethics of the client and the purpose of the mission,
– research ethics,
– ethics in the analysis and presentation of facts to policy-makers,
– ethics in action,
– but also the ethics of the individual.
Reflection on the ethics of intelligence, initiated by the Anglo-Saxon world, is still in its infancy. It is therefore difficult to provide definitive answers to this emerging debate. Indeed, it would be a grave error to apply the ethical rules in force in other areas of social or administrative life to the intelligence services. Of course, rules are essential, but they must take into account the specific vocation of the intelligence services, because in this field even less than in any other, a code of conduct cannot be defined from the outside.
This ethical requirement is an important issue for the services themselves. Such a demanding and special profession cannot be carried out without the operators themselves having a solid moral framework and a code of conduct that provides them with the essential reference points to avoid lapsing into schizophrenia, paranoia or uncontrolled delinquency.
1.Connecting
– From your standpoint, what preparation do intelligence analysts need to collaborate with policymakers, as part of a given Government’s foreign policy?
ED: In my opinion, it is not up to analysts to present their conclusions to politicians. Any intelligence service must have its own specialists who can pass on important information, and how it reacts to them, and who also know how to gather and make them specify their requests before entrusting them to those who will plan the operational research. These men or women may be former analysts or operational people who have reached management level and are therefore in a position to dialogue with the principals. In fact, this is often a task reserved for the director or senior managers of a department. This is so the case in the United States with the President Daily Briefing.
– The way you see it, would it be useful for policymakers to get some sort of training that enables them to get to know the inner workings and actual capabilities of intelligence services?
ED: I think it’s vital that politicians with major responsibilities for national security receive at least a minimum of intelligence training. In other words, they need to know what the various agencies in the national community do, what they can and cannot do depending on their status and speciality, how they work and what they can realistically ask of them. Politicians often have two extreme attitudes when it comes to intelligence: either they despise the services and distrust the “agents”, whose ill-considered actions they fear; or they totally fantasize about what a service can do, and ask them for anything that is often unachievable… and so end up despising them in return.
It is therefore essential to explain to them clearly (and within the limits of confidentiality) what they can ask and expect from the intelligence and security services.
– In your opinion, as part of foreign policy, what advantages do policymakers have when they make their decisions based on intelligence analysis?
ED: A political leader makes policy. His decision-making system is based on his vision, his experience, the information the service can provide him with, and the information he receives from other sources (other government services, personal networks)… and his own interests. This means that he can sometimes disregard the secret information provided to him if, at the same time, he has to respond to political or electoral issues that are essential to him. But of course, it’s rare for leaders to neglect national security. But intelligence officers often fail to understand this. Their activity is really just a “service”, comparable to a consulting business, and the client decides whether or not to act after receiving their reports.
– What do you feel the negative consequences of politicizing intelligence services can entail for the services in question and, as such, also for the Government itself?
ED: The politicization of intelligence is partly necessary and partly harmful.
It’s necessary in the sense that it’s good for the head of an intelligence service to be close to and trusted by a president or prime minister. It will be easier for him to explain what his agency can do… and to pass on bad news, without hiding anything.
When this is not the case (cf. the poor relations between the White House and the CIA under Bill Clinton), the service is not taken into consideration, sidelined from the centers of power, or even worse, the authorities may resort to parallel networks, with the negative effects we know about (cf. Watergate).
But politicization must be limited to this. Under no circumstances must it “descend” into the department’s operational or analytical activities, which must remain completely politically neutral, i.e. strictly professional and focused on preserving internal and external security.
*This interview was conducted, via email, on February 19, 2024
1.Connecting