II Berlin Conference on Libya

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II Berlin Conference on Libya

U.S. Chargée d’affaires Robin Quinville bids farewell to State Secretary Antony Blinken from Berlin – Picture by State Department.

Wednesday, 23 June 2021, Berlin, Federal Republic of Germany: In the framework of the Berlin Process, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas and UN Secretary-General AntĂłnio Guterres invited state parties to a II Berlin Conference on Libya.

The main issues on the agenda were i) the implementation of the political roadmap adopted by the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum for the period leading up to the national elections to be held on 24 December 2021, and ii) the complete implementation of the ceasefire agreement reached in October 2020, including the departure withdrawal of foreign fighters.

In Berlin, the question of how the international community can support these the goals set on the agenda were discussed. A further important topic was the merging of Libyan security forces with a view to strengthening the interim Government’s monopoly on the use of legitimate force.

The Conference marked the start of a new phase of the Berlin Process in which the interim Government is involved in the talks. Unlike in January 2020, when the Conference talked about Libya, they are now talking with Libyan leaders.

The Libyan interim National Unity Government was represented by Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah and Foreign Minister Najla El Mangoush. Through the Berlin Process, the Federal Government is supporting UN mediation efforts to end the conflict in Libya. The U.S. was represented at the conference by State Secretary Antony Blinken, Italy’s chief of diplomacy, Luigi di Maio also made the trip to Berlin for it. Both chiefs of diplomacy were accompanied by their respective top envoys in Berlin, ChargĂ©e d’affaires Robin S. Quinville for the USA, and Ambassador Armando Varricchio for the Italian Republic. 

For further information:


German Foreign Office: https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/aussenpolitik/laenderinformationen/libyen-node/second-conference-libya/2467486

https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/newsroom/news/maas-conference-libya/2467684

Northern German states conference in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania

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Northern German states conference in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania

Stephan Weil, Daniel Günther, Manuela Schwesig, Dr. Peter Tschentscher and Andreas Bovenschulte © Staatskanzlei MV, Holgermartens.

Thursday, 24 June 2021, Laage, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Germany: The northern German states of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Manuela Schwesig; Schleswig-Holstein, Daniel GĂŒnther; Hamburg, Dr. Peter Tschentscher; Bremen,  Dr. Andreas Bovenschulte; and Lower Saxony, Stephan Weil; want to emerge economically stronger from the Corona pandemic and continue to cooperate closely, especially in the expansion of renewable energies and hydrogen technology.

The latter was decided by the respective heads of government at their annual meeting in Laage (Rostock County, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania).

The northern German states are working closely together. At the moment, our most important common goal is to overcome the economic consequences of the Corona pandemic as quickly as possible. To this end, we have developed joint proposals. We are also jointly advocating the further expansion of renewable energies and the economic use of hydrogen technology. With the help of hydrogen technology, we have a great opportunity to attract new companies with sustainable jobs to the North and, at the same time, to make an important contribution to climate protection,” explained the host and Premier of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Manuela Schwesig, following the conference.

The northern German states are pioneers in the expansion of renewable energies. In a resolution, they call for accelerated expansion. To this end, the expansion paths for offshore wind energy are to be raised significantly. The northern German states are against a reduction in the annual tender quantities for onshore wind energy and in favour of the expansion of photovoltaics. In addition, innovations that relieve the strain on the electricity grid and green hydrogen production are to be particularly promoted in the northern states as the main producer regions of renewable energies.

According to the heads of government of the northern German states, the north offers ideal conditions to become a competence region of international importance for the production and economic use of green hydrogen. By implementing the joint hydrogen strategy of the northern German states, climate-neutral economic development is to be further advanced in all sectors, for example in the maritime economy and in transport.

Lars Schwarz, Acting Chairman of the Unternehmerkuratorium Nord (Entrepreneurs Board of Trustees North) and Employer President of the VU, said as per statement: “Northern Germany at the beginning of the 2020s continues to face great challenges. We have to hold our own in an increasingly fierce competition between regions, both nationally and Europe-wide. The Corona pandemic, which has dominated all areas of life for almost 1.5 years, is doing the rest. Especially the coastal countries and port cities, which are characterised by tourism and the maritime economy, have been left to bleed economically for many months. And it is not yet clear whether the affected sectors – despite increasing relief – will emerge from the crisis halfway secure.

Next year, Schleswig-Holstein will host the Conference of the Northern German States. Schleswig-Holstein’s Premier Daniel GĂŒnther took over the baton of the KND (Northern German Conference) from Premier Schwesig and said: “All five northern German states focus on cooperation and – despite all their differences – also have common goals. We need this cooperation to remain strong in the North and to be able to grow.”

For further information:

 
Statement by the Government of the Free Hanseatic City of Hamburg: https://www.hamburg.de/pressearchiv-fhh/15212080/2021-06-24-sk-knd/

Conference by the North German BundeslĂ€nder: https://www.facebook.com/StaatskanzleiMV/videos/331836815178309

Singapore Management University wins ICC Moot Court Competition

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Singapore Management University wins ICC Moot Court Competition

Pictured here: ICC Judge Chang-ho Chung, Legal Officers Ania Salinas Cerda and Juan Calderon Meza, and the winning team ©ICC-CPI

Today, 25 June 2021, Singapore Management University won the International Criminal Court Moot Court Competition – English edition. The final round was held in Courtroom I of the ICC in The Hague. Due to current COVID-19 related restrictions, it was a hybrid hearing with judges present in the courtroom and students participating remotely by video-link. On the judge’s bench for this competition were ICC Chang-ho Chung, presiding, and ICC Legal Officers Ania Salinas Cerda and Juan Calderon Meza.

The National University of Singapore (Singapore) and the Osgoode Hall Law School, York University (Canada), won, respectively, second and third places. The award for the Best Speaker went to Yoong San Tan from Singapore Management University (Singapore).

Members of the winning team are Andrew Cheng Yi Chia, De Xian Shawn Ang, Yoong San Tan, Meher Malhotra, Zheng Wen Samuel Chan, Wen Qi Andrea Soon and Wei Xuan Allen Chong. The teams competed on a fictitious case, presenting oral arguments in the roles of the Office of the Prosecutor, the Defence and State Counsel, which were web-streamed live on the Court’s website and Facebook page.

This version of the ICC Moot Court Competition is organised by the Grotius Centre for International Legal Studies – Leiden University and the International Bar Association, and sponsored by the Planethood Foundation, The Hague Municipality and Stanza Bookshop. Top students of 80 universities from 52 countries and six continents worldwide participated in the preliminary stage of this year’s ICC Moot Court Competition.

In the context of its Academic Programme, the ICC supports the organisation of ICC Moot Court Competitions in Chinese, English, Russian and Spanish, with a view to also support Arabic and French versions in the future. These initiatives play a critical role in galvanising interest in the Court’s work with academic communities as well as in enhancing promotion and respect for international criminal law. 

New vaccine reach efficacy rate of 92.2%

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New vaccine reach efficacy rate of 92.2%

Abdala, the new vaccine from Cuba’s Centre of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology has shown an efficacy rate of 92.2% after 48,000 volunteers had a three doses trial. On the other hand Soberana 02, from the Institute Finlay also made in Cuba, showed a 62% of efficacy after the first two doses were applied on 44,010 volunteers, however the scientific institute expectation is that Soberana 2 will reach over 80% efficacy after a third dose.

Both vaccines have been given to thousands of Cubans under the figure of studies together with clinical trials to contain new outbreaks of Covid-19 on the island, currently suffering from their third and worse wave.

Because of the governmental structure with flow intercommunication channels among the different State institutions, and the Ministry of Health, the trials and vaccination of the population has been expedited. Both the Centre of  Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology and the Institute Finlay are going to validate their vaccines for Emergency Use Listing (EUL) at the Control State Organization for Drugs and Medical Equipment of Cuba.

Those excellent results of the first vaccines made in the Latin American region are attracting the attention of other countries such as Argentina, Venezuela and Iran, who may wish to buttress up Cuba’s vaccination drive, and mimic it in their own populations. 

Pronouncement of Judgement in the Nzabonimpa et al. contempt case

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Pronouncement of Judgement in the Nzabonimpa et al. contempt case

Arusha,  25 June 2021– Today, Judge Vagn Joensen (Denmark) pronounced his Judgement in the case of Prosecutor v. Anselme Nzabonimpa et al. (MICT-18-116-T), convicting Mr. Augustin Ngirabatware, Mr. Anselme Nzabonimpa, Mr. Jean de Dieu Ndagijimana, and Ms. Marie Rose Fatuma of contempt for witness interference.

The Single Judge also convicted Mr. Ngirabatware for contempt on the basis of violating court orders while entering a verdict of not guilty for a co-Accused, Mr. Dick Prudence Munyeshuli, on a single contempt charge for violations of court orders. Judge Joensen sentenced Mr. Ngirabatware to two years’ imprisonment. Mr. Nzabonimpa, Mr. Ndagijimana, and Ms. Fatuma were sentenced to time served, having spent over 11 months in pre-trial detention.

The case against the Accused was principally based on allegations of witness interference from 2015 into 2018 with key protected Prosecution witnesses who testified in Mr. Ngirabatware’s genocide trial before the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (“ICTR”). These witnesses had been relied upon by an ICTR trial chamber in 2012 to convict Mr. Ngirabatware of incitement to commit genocide and genocide.

The witness interference was found to have occurred during preparations for review proceedings requested by Mr. Ngirabatware that sought to overturn his convictions based on purported recantations of these witnesses.

The Single Judge found that the evidence demonstrated that money was paid and offered to witnesses to facilitate recantations of their trial testimonies and that the Accused sought to manipulate and improperly influence potential witness evidence in anticipation Mr. Ngirabatware’s review proceedings. Mr. Ngirabatware, Mr. Nzabonimpa, Mr. Ndagijimana, and Ms. Fatuma were also charged with incitement to commit contempt but the Single Judge entered a finding of not guilty on this charge.

Mr. Ngirabatware was serving a sentence of 30 years’ imprisonment for his genocide convictions when the indictment against him was confirmed in October 2019, while his co-Accused were arrested more than a year earlier on 3 September 2018. The cases were joined in December 2019, and trial was supposed to start in June 2020. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, trial was delayed until October 2020.

During the pronouncement, Judge Joensen praised the ingenuity and dedication of Mechanism staff that allowed proceedings to continue during the pandemic by creating a socially distanced and continuously sanitized court room and for making technical modifications that allowed remote participation in the proceedings from The Hague and Kigali.

Between 26 October 2020 and 9 April 2021, nine Prosecution witnesses and six Defence witnesses, including two Accused, testified in court. Nearly 2000 exhibits were admitted, including the evidence of an additional 37 witnesses whose testimony was provided by way of written procedure. The Single Judge pronounced his Judgement two days after the completion of closing arguments held between 21 and 23 June 2021.

During the course of proceedings, Judge Joensen issued around 200 decisions and orders. Significant decisions included denying a request to transfer the case to Rwanda, and a jurisdictional decision interpreting the scope of Mechanism’s statute to include incitement to commit contempt and dismissing joint criminal enterprise as a form of liability applicable to contempt offences.

The case also involved decisions that affirmed the judiciary’s ability to unconditionally release defendants from pre-trial detention to ensure fair trial rights and evaluated material differences in conducting searches of digital – rather than physical – spaces and how that impacts the proper interpretation and application of warrants for search and seizure.    

For a more information on the case, please visit the Nzabonimpa et al. case page to see the case’s information sheet on the Mechanism’s website.

Austria’s President van der Bellen received in Berlin

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Austria’s President van der Bellen received in Berlin

Premier Armin Laschet and President of Austria, Alexander van der Bellen – Picture by Land NRW, Nadine Zilliges.

Thursday, 3 June 2021, Berlin, Germany: North Rhine-Westphalia’s Premier Armin Laschet received the Federal President of the Republic of Austria, Alexander Van der Bellen, for bilateral discussions.

The meeting took place at the Representation of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia to the German Federation in Berlin. The two officials spoke about the relations between the two countries, Europe’s way out of the Corona virus pandemic and the fight against climate change. 

Premier Armin Laschet: “I thank the Austrian Federal President for this constructive exchange. We have discussed intensively and in doing so have also found many commonalities on the central issues of our time. Austria and North Rhine-Westphalia have chosen innovative ways to combat the pandemic. Austria and North Rhine-Westphalia are also equally guided by the comprehensive consideration and careful weighing of all consequences of the Corona virus policy.”

“Germany and Austria also have in common that we want to combine ecological transformation with economic success. We want and we need more climate protection in Europe and we are aware that this can only be achieved if we use the potential that lies in our companies,” said Premier Laschet as per statement below in the German language.

“The Austrian Federal President Van der Bellen has repeatedly pointed out in the past that ‘more courage for climate protection’ is needed worldwide and that a signal for this must also come from Europe. I have therefore promoted the idea of appointing a European climate envoy to champion this cause internationally.”

President Van der Bellen was likewise received at Bellevue Palace by Federal President Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier as well as by Chancellor Dr. Angela Merkel at the Federal Chancellor’s Office. He was accompanied to all meetings by Austrian Ambassador in Germany, Dr. Peter Huber. 

For further information:

 
Government of NRW: https://mbei.nrw/de/ministerpraesident-armin-laschet-empfaengt-den-bundespraesidenten-der-republik-oesterreich-alexander

Embassy of Austria in Germany: https://www.bmeia.gv.at/oeb-berlin/veranstaltungen/detail/article/arbeitsbesuch-von-bundespraesident-van-der-bellen/

A golden jubilee, the Promenade at fifty

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A golden jubilee, the Promenade at fifty

Now the Leonardo Royal Hotel, a different name but the same dedicated staff

By John DunkelgrĂŒn

On the very spot where guests have been treated to comfort and quality for over 200 years, Patrick Aarsman and his team are proud to make this jubilee year something truly special.

Patrick Aarsman, General Manager, Leonardo Royal Promenade Hotel, The Hague.

Their annual herring party on the 22nd of June showed their inventiveness in the time of Covid restrictions.

Not one big party for the 150 invitees (mostly ambassadors and other diplomats), but three separate shifts. There was of course plenty of freshly caught and cleaned herring (the quality is superb this year!), which the mainly non-Dutch guests first sampled and then enjoyed with gusto.

The herring was followed by a sit-down lunch at tables for two or four with the mandated 1.5 meters between them. Lunch consisted of a series of very original small dishes that were a delight to the palate and beautifully made up. Chef Sido and his Ă©quipe had really outdone themselves in showing what they can do for parties, dinners, and receptions.

What is it, that makes herring so special in The Netherlands and why has it become an almost iconic food here? There are two main reasons. Herring used to be overwhelmingly plentiful in the North Sea close to the Dutch shores and when in season became a prime source of protein for the masses. it was caught in small vessels and immediately put into barrels heavily salted, a layer of salt, a layer of herring, another layer of salt, and so on. The problem was, that while this slowed spoiling, the innards caused an unpleasant flavour.

Then in the 14th century, a method was found to solve that. We claim that it was invented by a man from the province of Zeeland, Willem Beukelszoon. It consisted of using a specialised knife to cut out most of the innards in a single sweep and cut off the gills. The method was called “kaken”. This allowed for storage until the next season and made it a popular food all year round.

John DunkelgrĂŒn, from Diplomat Magazine thanked Mr Aarsman for his continuos support and partnership.

The second reason comes more than a century later. Holland had revolted against Spain and the Duke of Alva was charged with subduing the revolution. He laid siege to the well-fortified city of Leiden and almost managed to subdue it by causing a complete famine. At the last moment, the Prince of Orange and the grand council at The Hague decided to flood the surrounding land by breaking the dykes and sending in boats with troops and food for the city. The food that saved them on October 3rd, 1584 consisted of herring and white bread. It has been the symbol of Dutch resilience ever since

While a sit-down lunch isn’t ideal for networking, everyone was simply delighted at being able to meet in person once again and the sense of re-found freedom was palpable. General Manager Patrick Aarsman proudly announced that in a year that is so special for his Leonardo Royal Hotel he is planning extensive renovations to the ground floor to give their guests a truly world-class experience.

And to make it even more attractive to the diplomatic community, there will be a separate dining room for diplomats only.

Expressing regret that she couldn’t be present due to the Covid restrictions, he honoured Dr. Mayelinne de Lara of Diplomat Magazine in gratitude for the close cooperation in bringing together the Diplomatic Corps at The Hague and the hotel.

Many ambassadors attended the memorable Herring Lunch among them H.E. Mr. Riaz Hamidullah, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and Mr. Md. Jannatul Habib; H.E. Mr. Arnoldo Brenes Castro, Ambassador of the Republic of Costa Rica; Mr. Fery Iswandy, Minister Counsellor, Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia and Etty U. Wulandari; H.E. Mr. Andres TerĂĄn Parral, Ambassador of Ecuador, NicolĂĄs Ortiz and Susana Medina; H.E. Mr. Alexander Shulgin, Ambassador of the Russian Federation; H.E. Mr. Jorge Skinner-KlĂ©e Are, Ambassador of the Republic of Guatemala; H.E. Mr. Lawrence Lemayapa, Ambassador of the Republic of Kenya and Ms Josephine Opili; H.E. Mr. Mark Anthony Pace, Ambassador of the Republic of Malta and Mr. Rick Bajker; H.E. Ms. Elizabeth Ward Neiman, Ambassador of Panama; H.E. Mr. Naor Gilon, Ambassador of Israel and Mr. Orly Gilon; H.E. Giorgi Nakashidze, Ambassador of the Republic of Georgia; H.E. Mr. Mario Oyarzabal, Ambassador of Argentina; H.E. Mr. Dirk Brengelmann, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany and H.E. Ms Eniola Olaitan Ajayi, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Mr. Adegboyega Oke.

Life is slowly returning to normal and this relay herring party showed that the Leonardo can adapt to unusual circumstances as only a Royal host can.

Brazil hits 505,000 deaths while USA still leads

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Brazil hits 505,000 deaths while USA still leads

The USA is ahead of Brazil, which holds the second-highest number of deaths related to COVID-19. The unfortunate record for Brazil is now showing over 500,000 deaths and experts say that it could increase due to the slow vaccination process together with the winter lower down temperatures.  

While the virus expands into the country slightly slower than in USA, with a population of over 213 million, the Brazilian Congress is investigating the governmental handing of the pandemic, seeking answers on President Bolsonaro crisis ‘s management. 

The health institute FundaciĂłn Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, says the situation is “critical”. Only 15% of adults are fully vaccinated. President Bolsonaro has been heavily criticized for not implementing a coordinated national response and for delaying the purchase of vaccines for political reasons, as he has consistently played down the severity of the pandemic. 

The outbreak in Brazil has been exacerbate by more transmissible variants of the virus, including the latest Delta and one first identified in the Amazon region. An average of 70,000 cases has been confirmed daily in the last week, as of 14 June 2021, 25.98% of the population has received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine.  

Protocol of Bavarian-Slovenian Intergovernmental Commission inked

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Protocol of Bavarian-Slovenian Intergovernmental Commission inked

Bayerns Bayerns Staatsministerin fuer Europaangelegenheiten und Internationales Melanie Huml

Tuesday, 22 June 2021, Munich, Free State of Bavaria: Bavarian Minister for European Affairs, Melanie Huml and the Slovenian Foreign Minister Dr. AnĆŸe Logar signed the protocol of the ‘Bavarian-Slovenian Intergovernmental Commission’ at the Bavarian State Chancellery after the gathering of the 32nd Permanent Commission Bavaria-Slovenia. 

Prior to the signing, Minister for European Affairs, Melanie Huml, received the Slovenian Foreign Minister and the country’s Ambassador in Germany, Franc But for bilateral talks. 

The main subject of exchanges were the activities for deepening political and economic relations between Slovenia and Bavaria in the light of the forthcoming Slovenian Presidency of the Council of the European Union that begins on 1 July 2021. 

The Permanent Commission Bavaria-Slovenia is a bilateral forum to enhance the relations between the two countries. 

For further information 


Bavarian Government: https://www.bayern.de/staatskanzlei/staatsministerin-melanie-huml/
Embassy of Slovenia in Germany (HE Ambassador Franc But): http://www.berlin.veleposlanistvo.si

An update on Xianjiang

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An update on Xianjiang

The Chinese Embassy in the Netherlands lead by H.E. Mr. Jian Tan, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China together with the Government of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) hosted a virtual conference named “Xinjiang is a wonderful land” to hear Xinjiang locals sharing their life stories and experiences in the region.

After ambassador’s remarks on Friday June 18, more than a hundred diplomats, academics and journalists joined the discussion in a Q&A online session that lasted an hour.

Xinjiang is located in the north-west of China with 12 million inhabitants, most of them Muslim Uighurs speaking their traditional language. Here one can find also Christians, Muslims Kazakhs and Kyrgyz. Xinjiang has become a hot topic receiving critics on human rights abuses from some 39 countries while 45 UN countries support China policies in the region. Controversies are mostly focused in the Vocational Education and Training Centres located in Xinjiang used to confront anti-Han and separatist movements which started during the 90’s resulting in at least 200 casualties in 2009.

The government of China decided to face the situation by increasing surveillance and installing the education and vocational system where the minorities learn Chinese, and follow vocational trainings to be able to integrate the society as regular citizens preventing itinerancy, terrorism and Islamist extremism.

Many Chinese embassies around the word organised online press conferences and meetings to talk about the issue. On the other hand, more than 50 ambassadors and senior diplomats from Africa, Latin America and Caribbean countries were invited to visit Xinjiang vocational education and training centres in June.  

“Our Xinjiang is a wonderful land” is a popular song in China, started Ambassador Tan.

“In the past 60 years, the average life expectancy of Xinjiang’s population has increased from 30 to 72 years, the total economic volume has increased by more than 200 times, the per capita GDP has increased by nearly 40 times, and more than 3 million people have all been lifted out of poverty. The Uighur population in Xinjiang has more than doubled in the past 40 years.”

In 2019, Xinjiang received more than 200 million domestic and foreign tourists

In the past few years, more than 1,400 diplomats, journalists, and religious figures from more than 100 countries have visited Xinjiang. There are also many short videos showing the true face of Xinjiang released by ordinary people in Xinjiang and tourists visiting Xinjiang on social media at home and abroad. In their eyes, Xinjiang is a good place with beautiful scenery, rich resources, brilliant ethnic culture, rapid economic development, and social unity and stability.

“But at the same time, some people with ulterior motives never mention the achievements of Xinjiang’s development and construction, but deliberately spread lies about large-scale violations of human rights in Xinjiang, instigating ethnic and religious contradictions.”

“The essence of the Xinjiang issue is not a human rights, ethnic, or religious issue at all” explained Ambassador Tan, “but an issue of fighting violence, terrorism, and separatism. Xinjiang has suffered from terrorism and religious extremism. From 1990 to the end of 2016, thousands of violent and terrorist cases occurred in Xinjiang, resulting in the killing of a large number of innocent people and the death of hundreds of police officers.”

“These terrorist attacks are bloody, and their impact is as bad as the violent terrorist attacks launched by the “Islamic State” in France, Belgium and other European countries in recent years. Completely different from the practice of some country that have launched anti-terrorism wars, only resulting in more terrorism.

Xinjiang is committed to eradicating the root causes of terrorism by promoting development, poverty reduction, job creation and de-radicalization.

After hard work, there has not been another terrorist attack in Xinjiang in the past four years, and people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang have been able to live and work in peace again.”

“Second, the fundamental purpose of some countries’ hype about the Xinjiang issue is to disrupt Xinjiang and contain China.”

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In the image H.E. Mr. Jian Tan, Ambassador of People’s Republic of China to the Netherlands.

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