Morocco shifts government

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Morocco shifts government

Friday, 10 September 2021, Fes, Kingdom of Morocco: His Sharifan Majesty King Mohammed VI charged renowned businessman, and hitherto Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests, Aziz Akhannouch with the task to form a novel government with himself serving in the position as prime minister. 

Akhannouch led his National Rally of Independents to a landslide victory in the latest general and municipal elections in Morocco; thus unseating Saadeddine Othmani and his Justice and Development Party, in power since 2011. 

The National Rally of Independents won 102 out of 395 mandates in Parliament. In the municipal elections it gained 9,995 out of 31,503 possible offices as well as 196 out of 678 votes in the regional ballots. 

Aziz Akhannouch has served in the Moroccan government since 2007. Additionally he is known as CEO of Akwa Group S.A., which manages assets and businesses in the fields of oil and gas, tourism, real estate as well as telecommunications. 

For further information 
Royal Moroccan Government:  https://www.cg.gov.ma/fr

Malta or the size of the idea

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Malta or the size of the idea

The Ambassador of Malta, H.E. Mr. Marc Antony Pace. 27 July 2021 Museum of Antiquities Leiden.

By Michelle Rahimi

On July 27th, Malta and the National Museum of Antiquities of Leiden organized an extraordinary exhibition showcasing Maltese culture and history.

The impressive exhibition took several years of preparation, investigation, and consultation from both Malta and the Netherlands leading up to the opening.

Despite the difficulties the onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic brought about, including restrictions and the lack of personnel available from each country, the goal of hosting an opening exhibition was reached virtually and live.

The Ambassador of Malta, H.E. Mr. Marc Antony Pace, the director of the museum, Mr. Wim Weijland, and their team came together to work with one another despite the challenges this year has brought about.

Ambassador Pace addressed this in his speech, “The opening of this exhibition, even if in a virtual format, is even more special. It shows how much we can achieve when we work together beyond borders and cultures. Despite all the difficulties, the Rijskmusuem van Oudehen, Heritage Malta and the Malta Tourism Authority managed to make it happen.”

H.E. Mr. Mattew Neuhaus, Ambassador of Australia, Mr. Rick Bijkerk, Ms Angela Neuhaus and Ambassador Pace.

Malta obtains a long and exquisite history that predates entire civilizations including Ancient Egypt and Rome. It is also home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the oldest erected before the Stonehenge.

The Ambassador of Malta and H.E. Ms. Tatiana Pârvu, Ambassador of Moldova.

With stone being the archipelago’s only natural resource, its inhabitants came to be very skilled masons. Every phase of Malta’s history is said to have left an architectural legacy.

the director of the museum, Mr. Wim Weijland, the Ambassador of Malta and H.E. Mr. Nicolas Plexidas, Ambassador of Greece.

In the exhibition opening speech, H.E. Mr. Marc Antony Pace exclaimed “It is a well-known fact that Malta is a small country. But as a Maltese statesman used to often repeat “it’s not the size of the country, it is the size of the idea.”

It is quite apparent that the Maltese have made a lasting impression on the world, despite their size. Between 3600 and 2500 B.C., Malta experienced an architectural phenomenon and constructed megalithic structures across the island. These buildings were built to a very high degree of design and precision, with pieces of this unique spectacle displayed across the new exhibition.

The Ambassador of Lebanon. H.E. Abdel Sattar Issa, H.E. Mr Hatem Elsayed Mohamed Kamaleldin, Ambassador of Egypt and the Ambassador of Poland, H.E. Mr Marcin Czepelak.

“We hope that this exhibition will encourage those living in the Netherlands to visit Malta to experience first-hand the uniqueness of Malta’s prehistory and our other cultural treasures,” H.E. Marc Antony Pace mentioned in some of his closing remarks.

The new exhibition will no doubt foster and continue to build the relationship and partnership between Malta, the Netherlands, and all those who wish to experience the beauty of these cultures.

H.E. Mr. Marc Anthony Pace, Ambassador of Malta, H.E. Ms Dubravka Plejic Markovic, Ambassador of Croatia and the Ambassador of Cyprus, H.E. Ms Frances Lanitou.

The Ambassador of Poland, Mr Marcin Czepelak and spouse enjoyed the exhibition.

87th European ministers conference in Chemnitz

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87th European ministers conference in Chemnitz

8-9 September 2021, Chemnitz, Free State of Saxony, Germany: The Conference of Ministers in charge of European Affairs of the German Länder (EMK) consists of those ministers, senators, state secretaries and state councillors of Germany’s federal states who are responsible for European Affairs, integration and subsidiarity.

The Free State of Saxony is represented by Katja Meier, State Minister for Justice and Democracy, European Affairs and Gender Equality.

The EMK represents the interests of the Länder in European Affairs with respect to the German Federal Government and to the European Union (EU). In order to acknowledge and take into account the views of various Länder representatives, its position on current European policy issues and projects that have been drawn up by means of joint decisions and opinions that are conveyed to the Federal Government, relevant institutions in Brussels and a host of other stakeholders.

Within the EMK, the Länder also coordinate how they intend to raise awareness about European Affairs and promote the idea of Europe.

The Free State of Saxony is chairing the EMK from 1 July 2021 until 30 June 2022. Saxony intends to take this opportunity to work together with the representatives of the other Länder to help make the EU more cohesive, and to ensure that Europe is a more democratic and a more socially and environmentally fairer place. 

To underpin its Presidency, Saxony is proposing five priorities for meeting these goals :

  • 1. Cross-border cooperation, i.e., German-Czech relations
  • 2. EU citizenship and the future of the EU
  • 3. The European Green Deal: innovation, climate and energy – implementing the EU’s climate objectives with an emphasis on regions
  • 4. The rule of law, democracy and equality5. Flight and migration.

The heart of our programme lies in strengthening a sustainable, democratic, European society and focusing on the EU’s core values. The Saxon programme will continue to develop dynamically in the course of the Presidency, taking into account the hopes, concerns and wishes expressed by all the Länder.

For further information:  

Saxony’s Ministry of Justice and Democracy, European Affairs and Gender Equality: https://www.europa.sachsen.de/EMK-aktuelles-und-programm.html

About the Saxon chairmanship: https://www.europa.sachsen.de/download/EMK_EN.pdf

Picture by EMK, Jörg Riethausen. On the image from right to left:

First row: 

Roland Theis, State Secretary and Plenipotentiary for European Affairs of the Saarland; Melania Huml, Minister of European and International Affairs of Bavaria; Lucia Puttrich, Minister of Federal and European Affairs of Hesse, Plenipotentiary to the German Federation; Hostess Katja Meier, Minister of Justice and Democracy, European Affairs and Gender Equality of Saxony; Birgit Honé, Minister of Federal and European Affairs, Regional Development of Lower Saxony, Plenipotentiary to the German Federation; Katrin Lange, Minister of Finance and European Affairs of Brandenburg; Kristina Vogt, Senator of Economic, Labour and European Affairs of Bremen. 

Second row: 

Almut Möller, Plenipotentiary of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg before the German Federation, the European Union and for International Affairs; Britta Lenz, Permanent Representative of Rhineland-Palatinate for Federal, European and Media Affairs; Gerry Woop, State Secretary for European Affairs of the City of Berlin; Claus Christian Claussen, Minister of Justice, European Affairs, Consumers’ Protection and Equal Opportunities of Schleswig-Holstein; Mathias Weilandt, Saxony’s State Secretary for Justice and European Affairs.

Third row: 

Florian Hassler, State Secretary for Political Coordination and European Affairs at the State Chancellery of Baden-Württemberg; Thomas Lenz, State Secretary at the Ministry for Home and European Affairs of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania; Dr. Stephan Holthoff-Pförtner, Minister of Federal, European and International Affairs of North Rhine-Westphalia, Malte Joas Krückels, State Secretary for Media and European Affairs, Plenipotentiary of Thuringia to the German Federation; Dr. Michael Schneider, State Secretary and Plenipotentiary to the German Federation of Saxony-Anhalt. 

Colombia, of Love and Other Demons

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Colombia, of Love and Other Demons

An important part of the agenda of H.E. Mr. Fernando Grillo is promoting Colombian culture via the Spanish language since his accreditation to the Kingdom of the Netherlands as Colombian Ambassador on April 7, 2021. “Our language is a powerful tool that we should use at every opportunity. We talked about Colombia to students, artists, associations, the Spanish is a great language, excellent vehicle to create new links among people. We will do our best to promote Colombia and the studies of the language.”   

September 2 marked the first activity of the Hispanic Society of The Hague, directed by Edith Bergansius,  after the summer holidays. “Ambassador Fernando Grillo invited me at the end of June to talk about promoting some aspects of the Colombian culture and he gave me the wonderful Gabriel Garcia Marquez book Del Amor y Otros Demonios. Then Viviana Medina, cultural advisor, sent me several options. Finally, I opted for the film based on García Márquez’s novel as he is a very well-known Nobel Prize writer and has been widely translated in  Holland,” explained Bergansius.

Hilda Hidalgo directed the film version of the Colombian novel first published in 1994, and was selected in 2010 on the list of Best Foreign Language Film at the 83rd Academy Awards.

There was a considerable group of people attending the screening from the Hispanic Society, taking into account current COVID restrictions, including among all three members of the board of directors, also Dutch, Spanish,  Peruvian, and Venezuelan attendees. Besides the Colombian embassy team, there were also several ambassadors with their wives.

Even if Sierva Maria de Todos Los Angeles died of love, the public enjoyed the screening and the opportunity to discuss the film with the Colombian delegation during the reception that followed.

“I’m a fan of Colombia and for sure we will do other joint activities.” Said Bergansius.

President Zelensky receives political support from Germany

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President Zelensky receives political support from Germany

Premier Laschet and President Volodymyr Selenskyj – Picture by Land NRW, Phil Dera

Sunday, 11 July 2021, Berlin, Germany: North Rhine-Westphalia’s Premier Armin Laschet received the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, for talks at the Representation of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia in the German capital. 

Premier Armin Laschet said during the bilateral meeting: “Ukraine is an important partner in our immediate European neighbourhood. We appreciate the clear orientation towards Europe, and have a high interest in geopolitical stability, sovereignty and modernisation in Ukraine. That is why we support Ukraine’s reform efforts.” 

With regard to Crimea and the situation in the east of the country, Premier Laschet emphasized the position of the state government: “The annexation of Crimea by Russia, which is contrary to international law, and the conflict in eastern Ukraine must come to a swift end. Ukrainian sovereignty over the territory of Crimea and the Donbass must be restored. For this, the ceasefire in the Donbass must be permanently respected and the principle of inviolability of borders must be respected again by all parties.” 

During the talks, Premier Laschet and President Zelensky also discussed ways to deepen economic relations between North Rhine-Westphalia and the Ukraine.

For further information:
Government of NRW: https://www.mbei.nrw/de/ministerpraesident-armin-laschet-geopolitische-stabilitaet-und-reformkurs-der-ukraine-unterstuetzen
Ukrainian Presidency: https://www.president.gov.ua/en

Pakistan 17th Mango Festival

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Pakistan 17th Mango Festival

A Pakistani mango diplomacy event

By Roy Lie Atjam

The Pakistani Embassy in collaboration with the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and Diplomat Magazine,  hosted a Mango festival on the lawns of Pakistan House on the prestigious Plein 1813 in The Hague in September 2021.

Ambassador Tarar and Pakistani diplomats.

Addressing the participants, Ambassador of Pakistan H.E. Mr. Suljuk Mustansar Tarar said that Pakistan is the fifth largest producer of mangoes in the world. In the last financial year, Pakistan earned more than US$ 122 million from mango exports. Pakistan’s mango exports to the Netherlands stood at US$ 600000, which is an increase of 125% as compared to 2019-2020.

Referring to Pakistan’s rice exports, the Ambassador said that Pakistan is the fourth largest exporter of rice in the world. Pakistani basmati rice is unique in the world in terms of taste and aroma. It is currently the largest exporter of basmati rice in the European Union.

H.E. Mrs. Rawan Suliaman, Head of Mission, State of Palestine.

The Ambassador  of Pakistan also paid tribute to the martyrs and personnel of the Armed Forces of Pakistan on the occasion of Defence Day.

Dr. Stanislav Vassilevsky, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Republic of Belarus. and spouse arriving to the Pakistani reception.

Apart from Pakistani mangoes and their dishes, the guests were also served with biryani. Participants were also displayed an introductory video about ‘Pakistani Tourist Destinations’. The Ambassador of Pakistan mentioned that Pakistani tourist destinations have a unique place in the world. He invited the people of the Netherlands to visit Pakistan.

The participants enjoyed the taste, quality of Pakistani mangoes and rice. Prior to the festival, the President of Pakistan Mr. Arif Alvi, also sent a gift of mangoes to the dignitaries of the Netherlands. The Ambassador  of Pakistan also thanked the Pakistani exporters and expressed the hope that they would continue their efforts to promote Pakistani products.

Generally, the festival celebrates the arrival of the mango season and the distinctly sweet Pakistani mangoes that come with it. The guests had been invited to personal sample the various mango and mango treats.

On the menu

  • Mango shake, mango cream cracker,
  • Chicken Biryani (Basmati rice), mango salad, raita.
  • Mango cheesecake, mango trifle, mango kheer, mango kulfi.
  • Mango tea, soft drinks, mango juice.
Ambassador Tarar offer a mango box to Sameena Qureshi, Counsellor Economic Section, Embassy of Canada.

A lively atmosphere reigned at the festival, true to Pakistani hospitality. The 17th Annual Pakistan Mango Festival attracted many members of the Diplomatic corps: Ambassadors from Costa Rica, Cameroon, Croatia, Colombia, Sri Lanka, Panama, Diplomats from Malaysia, Indonesia, Burundi, Belarus and many others. The festival was also attended by  importers and members of the Pakistani diaspora. Mango farms in Pakistan were well represented by Progressive Mango Growers Group LUTFABAD and Multan Mango Growers association.

The Ambassador also thanked the Pakistani exporters and expressed the hope that they would continue their efforts to promote Pakistani products.

Pakistani Mango 2021 by the Embassy of Pakistan in The Hague in collaboration with Diplomat Magazine.

Germany reopens mission in Libya

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Germany reopens mission in Libya

Ambassador Michael Ohnmacht and President Mohammed El Menfi – Picture by Unity Government of Libya.

Thursday, 9 September 2021, Tripoli, State of Libya: Germany’s Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs, Heiko Maas was in Tripoli to re-open the country’s diplomatic mission two days after the formal accreditation of the country’s top envoy in Libya, Ambassador Michael Ohnmacht. 

Maas spoke during his opening remarks of  a ‘new chapter’ in German-Libyan relations, seven years after the previous German chancery was shut down, another one is opening to aid Libya’s Unity Government in the colossal task of re-building the country. Elections have been set for 24 December of this year, after a government recognised by the international community was formed in the spring. There are still many open questions as to the constitutional framework for the elections, and its modus operandi. 

The German Embassy had been abandoned in 2014, and its operations moved to Tunisia thereafter.

In 2018 German diplomats resumed working visits to Libya, and since 2020 they had been able to serve on Libyan soil for approximately one week monthly. The chancery’s edifice is shared with the Dutch Embassy as well as an Italian demining mission. 

During the II Libya Conference hosted back in June in Berlin by the German Federal Government, foreign powers agreed to support the departure of foreign mercenaries active in the country, however, the latter is yet to materialize. Approximately 18,000 mercenaries and foreign troops are currently active in Libya, albeit the UN, Germany and other countries are attempting to clear them out of the country. 

The German reactivation of its diplomatic mission is deemed by international experts as a possible step to re-opening a mission in Kabul, Afghanistan, in the future. Heiko Maas has reiterated that such step will only be taken with the support of the international community. Currently Qatar is a protector power for various European countries, and the U.S.A. in Kabul. 

Germany’s top envoy in Tripoli is Ambassador Michael Ohnmacht, who speaks fluent Arabic and hitherto had been serving as the Head of the Middle East Department at the German Foreign Office (2017-2021). He presented his credentials to the Chairman of Libya’s Presidential Council, Mohammed Yunus El Menfi, on Tuesday, 7 September 2021. 

Ambassador Ohnmacht joined the diplomatic service in 1998, and has hitherto served in Palestina, Lebanon, France, Saudi Arabia and now in Libya. 

For further information 

German Embassy in Libya (HE Ambassador Michael Ohnmacht): https://tripolis.diplo.de/ly-de/botschaft/-/2015260
German Foreign Office: https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/aussenpolitik/laenderinformationen/libyen-node/maas-libya/2480980, https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/newsroom/news/maas-tripoli/2480970

Allocution of German Foreign Minister Maas at the opening of the German Embassy in Tripoli: https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/newsroom/news/maas-embassy-libya/2481052, 

The Annual Diplomats Fun-Run and Walk 2021

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The Annual Diplomats Fun-Run and Walk 2021

For the fifth consecutive year, the Diplomats Fun-Run and  Walk took place in the Haagse Bos Park in the vicinity of Chalet ten Bosh. The date was  on Sunday 5th September 2021.

Ms Olga Bondarenko, First Secretary, Embassy of Ukraine.

The event was organized by Diplomat Magazine to promote networking amongst the
diplomatic community in The Hague. The Fun-Run and  Walk might contribute to a healthy lifestyle, it will serve as a call for more active outdoor sporting activities for diplomats and others.

H.E. Mr. Firkat Akhundov, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan, H.E. Ms. Tatiana Pârvu, Ambassador of Moldova, H.E. Mr. Arnoldo Brenes Castro, Ambassador of Costa Rica and his spouse Breatriz.

After taking some commemorative pictures, a good number of diplomats and representatives of International Organisations joined in the 5 km run or 3 km walk during a fantastic spring morning. Diplomats from all continents:  Azerbaijan, Brazil, Burundi, Cameroon, Germany, Ukraine, USA, Philippines, and others joined the sportive occasion. The joyous outdoor event has been an excellent opportunity to meet again after a long time.

Mr Jens-Volker Ginschel, Armaments Attaché, Embassy of Germany,
Ms Cynthia Kwasie, Consular Officer, Embassy of Ghana, Mr. Khuta Salia, Counsellor, Embassy of Georgia and the Ghana Minister Counsellor, Mohammed Habid Idris.
H.E. Mr. Arnoldo Brenes Castro, Ambassador of Costa Rica, H.E. Ms. Marisol Agüero Colugna, Ambassador of Peru and the Peruvian diplomat, Ms. Francis Chavez.

The V Diplomats Fun Run & Walk concluded with a nice lunch on the terrace of Chalet ten Bosch.

President Ekaterina Trendafilova and Registrar Dr. Fidelma Donlon host outreach event in Mitrovica

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President Ekaterina Trendafilova and Registrar Dr. Fidelma Donlon host outreach event in Mitrovica

Kosovo Specialist Chambers (KSC) President Ekaterina Trendafilova and Registrar Dr Fidelma Donlon took part in an interactive Outreach event with civil society and journalists in Mitrovica today, where they explained the activities of the court and how it is ensuring fair, impartial, independent and secure proceedings.

Participants expressed their views and asked questions during the meeting.
The KSC has been conducting Outreach with people in communities across Kosovo since the start of its work.

During their first visit since the start of proceedings, the President and Registrar felt it was vitally important to continue the practice of going to where people live to make the court and its work accessible to the public.

President Ekaterina Trendafilova and Registrar Dr. Fidelma Donlon.

In order to comply with the current COVID-19 measures and ensure safe participation for everyone, participants engaged in the event both in-person and online.
At the meeting, the President spoke about the history of the establishment of the court and the current stage of proceedings. The President was grateful to be given the opportunity to talk about the court and answer questions. To this end, she emphasized that the court remains committed to communicating in an open and transparent manner about the work of the institution and its proceedings.

The Registrar spoke about the robust system of witness protection in place, victims’ participation and how the Registry ensures the management of detention facilities in line with all international standards. “Victims can continue to apply to participate in proceedings and I assure everyone that the application process is confidential and secure. The Victims’ Participation Office stands ready to assist and answer any questions in confidence,” the Registrar said.

Abd-Al-Rahman case : Trial to open on 5 April 2022

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Abd-Al-Rahman case : Trial to open on 5 April 2022

Today, 8 September 2021, Trial Chamber I of the International Criminal Court composed of Judge Joanna Korner, Presiding Judge, Judge Reine Alapini-Gansou and Judge Althea Violet Alexis-Windsor  scheduled the opening of the trial in the case  The Prosecutor v. Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman (“Ali Kushayb”) for 5 April 2022.

Mr Abd-Al-Rahman was transferred to the ICC’s custody on 9 June 2020, after surrendering himself voluntarily in the Central African Republic.

His initial appearance before the ICC took place on 15 June 2020. The confirmation of charges hearing was held before Pre-Trial Chamber II from 24 to 26 May 2021.

On  9 July 2021, Pre-Trial Chamber II of the International Criminal Court unanimously, issued a decision confirming all the charges brought by the Prosecutor against Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman (“Ali Kushayb”) and committed him to trial before a Trial Chamber.

The 31 charges include intentionally directing attacks against the civilian population as such, as a war crime; murder as a crime against humanity and as a war crime; pillaging as a war crime; destruction of the property of an adversary as a war crime; other inhumane acts as a crime against humanity; outrages upon personal dignity as a war crime; rape as a crime against humanity and a war crime; forcible transfer as a crime against humanity; persecution as a crime against humanity; torture as a crime against humanity and a war crime; cruel treatment as a war crime; attempted murder as a crime against humanity and a war crime.

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