Wednesday, 19 May 2021, Bogotá, Republic of Colombia: President Iván Duque appointed lawyer and top diplomat María Ximena Lombana Villalba at the helm of the country’s Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism.
The Minister Lombana Villalba is a graduate of the Universidad del Rosario Law School, holds a Master’s degree in International Business Law from Washington College of Law at the American University as well as a Master’s degree in Commercial Law from the University of Paris II.
In the diplomatic field, she has served as Minister Plenipotentiary at the Colombian Embassy in Spain, the same position she held at the Colombian Embassy in France, and as First Secretary and Chargée d’Affaires at the Colombian Mission to the United Nations’ Organizations in Vienna (Austria).
Likewise she was a Researcher at the Organization of American States. In the public sector, she has also served as Secretary General of Bancóldex and at the Ministry of the Interior.
The Hague – The Peace Palace in The Hague, the international symbol for “Peace through Law” and one of the most iconic buildings in the Netherlands, opens its doors today to visitors from all over the world. With advanced technology, this global icon may now be viewed virtually 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.
The Peace Palace houses the International Court of Justice of the United Nations, the Permanent Court of Arbitration, The Hague Academy of International Law and one of the most prestigious libraries in the field of international law. During the First Hague Peace Conference in 1899, delegations from all over the world met to discuss international justice and disarmament. During the conference it was decided to establish the Permanent Court of Arbitration, for which the Peace Palace was subsequently built. Nowadays issues of importance to the world community are dealt with in the Peace Palace such as, amongst others, legal cases between Iran and the United States, between Ukraine and Russia or The Gambia versus Myanmar.
“The Peace Palace is a building for the world. It was built by the global community and naturally, now that we have the technical means, it should be accessible to the entire world” states Erik de Baedts, Director of the Carnegie Foundation which owns and manages the Peace Palace. During construction, nations were invited to contribute by donating monumental artworks or materials. Today, gifts from more than 40 countries can be admired in the Peace Palace.
Virtual visitors can admire the spectacular architecture, the mesmerising interior and all of the original details. For the online tour more than 400 High Dynamic Range photographs were taken with a 360° camera and then drawn together with the most advanced software. From today, the virtual tour is freely accessible via the website of the Peace Palace: www.peacepalace.org/virtualtour.
With the unique virtual 360° tour the Carnegie Foundation is responding to a need to make the Peace Palace more accessible.
This iconic building is the showcase for The Hague as “International City of Peace and Justice”. The Peace Palace is, however, not a museum but a working palace and a courthouse. Due to court proceedings and security, the palace has only limited accessibility for visitors. Thanks to the virtual tour, the Peace Palace may now be “visited” at any time.
During lockdown the Carnegie Foundation developed exclusive online guided tours for groups that have been a great success and which are booked primarily by law firms and student associations. Director De Baedts: “The new virtual 360° tour is now making the Peace Palace accessible online for individuals. We want to open our doors to everyone regardless of where they come from or their background without hindering the court sessions. The building, its history, its interior and, of course, the work undertaken by the institutions in the palace, can inspire people worldwide: peace is possible by fighting in the courtroom rather than on the battlefield.”
ICC Pre-Trial Chamber A confirms charges of offences against the administration of justice and commits suspect to trial
Today, 15 July 2021, Pre-Trial Chamber A (Article 70) of the International Criminal Court confirmed the charges of offences against the administration of justice against Paul Gicheru and committed him to trial.
Pre-Trial Chamber A, composed of Judge Reine Adélaïde Sophie Alapini-Gansou, based its decision on the evidence and submissions presented by the Prosecutor and the Defence.
The Chamber found that there are substantial grounds to believe that Mr Gicheru committed, as a co-perpetrator, or under alternative modes of liability, offences against the administration of justice (article 70(1)(c) of the Rome Statute) between April 2013 and the closure of the Ruto and Sang case on 10 September 2015, in Kenya. The offences were allegedly committed in the furtherance of a common plan implemented by a group of persons including Mr Gicheru, with the ultimate goal of undermining the Prosecution’s case in the Ruto and Sang case.
Specifically, with relation to eight witnesses, Mr Gicheru and other members of the common plan allegedly identified, located, and contacted the witnesses, offered and/or payed them financial or other benefits, and/or threatened or intimidated them, in order to induce them to withdraw as Prosecution witnesses, refuse to or cease cooperating with the Prosecution and/or the Court, and/or to recant the evidence which they had provided to the Prosecution.
The decision on the confirmation of the charges only serves to determine whether the Prosecutor’s case should proceed to trial. It does not establish the guilt of the accused person, who is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt by a trial chamber of the Court.
In cases concerning offences against the administration of justice (Article 70 of the Statute), pursuant to Rule 165(2) of the Rules of Procedure and Evidence parties do not have the possibility to appeal a decision on the confirmation of the charges under Article 82(1)(d) of the Statute.
Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte has sent a congratulatory message to Acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on victory in early parliamentary elections. The congratulatory message reads, in part:
“The free and competitive parliamentary election shows Armenia’s commitment to continuing down the democratic path it has been following since its Velvet Revolution. The reforms and democratic changes in Armenia have not gone unnoticed. My sincere hope is that you will continue these important reforms, despite the challenging security situation of which I am well aware.
I look forward to continuing to work with you, and I am confident that together we can successfully foster the close partnership between Armenia and the Netherlands. As a country that believes strongly in the principles of democracy and good governance, the Netherlands will continue to support Armenia in implementing reforms, especially in the areas of democratization and the rule of law. We will also keep pursuing closer economic cooperation, particularly in the areas of agriculture and IT.
I strongly value our cooperation as part of the EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement, and look forward to a fruitful Eastern Partnership Summit at the end of this year. Equally, I value our close cooperation within the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
Your scheduled visit to the Netherlands in April of this year unfortunately had to be postponed on the account of pandemic in both our countries. I sincerely hope 2022 will be better in this regard, and I look forward to welcoming you to the Netherlands in 2002, to mark the successes of 30 years of diplomatic relations.
I wish you every success in addressing the challenges facing Armenia, in the best interest of the Armenian people.”
In the picture Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Prime Minister Mark Rutte.
in lead up to Day of International Criminal Justice
This week, as part of the International Criminal Court’s activities to mark 17 July, Day of International Criminal Justice, the Court is launching a digital campaign on the theme of building a #MoreJustWorld.
The campaign aims to encourage people to reflect, act, learn and connect for the cause of peace and justice.
§ And more, including specific calls to action for diplomats, legal professionals, experts, academics, students, teachers, and people like you, as you work within your family, community or career to help build a more peaceful, more just world.
On Wednesday 7th July 2021, the Embassy of Uzbekistan to the Kingdom of Belgium host a virtual symposium to serve as a prelude to the upcoming International Connectivity Summit named “Central and South Asia: Regional Connectivity.Challenges and Opportunities” which will take place in the Uzbekistan capital Tashkent from July 15-16. It is an initiative of the President of Uzbekistan H.E. Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
The main focus will be on the economy, security and culture
Uzbekistan is a double landlocked country. The conference aims to establish how the Connectivity summit(15-16 July 2021) can lead to greater cooperation, security and economic prosperity in the regions. The expectation is that several participants will dispatch high-level delegations, Iran, India, the USA and the EU. The head of state of Afghanistan and Pakistan head of government are to lead their delegation.
H.E. Mr Dilyor Khakimov, Ambassador of Uzbekistan in Belgium, Head of the Missions of Uzbekistan to the EU and NATO, delivered the opening address. Ambassador Khakimov, welcomed the speakers to the symposium. He mentioned the fact that this year Uzbekistan and others Central Asia countries will be celebrating 30 years of independence. “The Uzbekistan president has made significant contributions to regional policies”, Khakimov stated.
Uzbekistan Central and South Asia Regional Connectivity Summit
Uzbekistan jointed peace-building missions in Afghanistan. Ambassador Khakimov encouraged the distinguished speakers to come with additional proposals.
AmbassadorKhakimov was followed by a string of prominent speakers/panelists: Philippe van Amersfoort, Deputy Head of Central Asia Division, EEAS, Romana Vlahutin, Ambassador at Large for Connectivity, EEAS; Ryszard Czarnecki MEP, Chair D-RU, European Parliament; Stefania Benaglia, Associate Researcher, CEPS; Štefan Füle, Former European Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighborhoods, Consultant of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Dr Obid Khakimov, Deputy Adviser of the President of Uzbekistan, Director of the Center for Economic Research and Reforms under the Administration of the President of the Republic.
The moderator was Mr Georgi Gotev, Senior Editor, EURACTIV. Speakers were allotted five minutes of pitching time each. Romana Vlahutin remarked that the EU is the product of connectivity, connectivity she said is interdependence. The EU has lots of experience in this regard. Vlahutin went on to say that the EU is central Asia’s top trade partner, 24% higher than trade with China and Russia.
The connectivity conference should strive to attain a regional approach.Connectivity is a geopolitical tool.
Philippe van Amersfoort noticed a new momentum in central Asia, initiated by Uzbekistan. For example, custom regulation is one. Van Amersfoort briefly referred to positive developments in ASEAN. He is of the view that a common vision is needed in Central Asia. The European Investment Bank could be of assistance. Van Amersfoort hinted that the EU is envisaging hosting a high-level EU Central Asia conference in 2022.
Ryszard Czarnecki observed the connectivity conference to be timely organized. According to him, Uzbekistan could be considered a silk road hub. He sees the Trans Afghanistan Railway as a great asset. Stefania Benaglia poses the question of how to implement connectivity initiatives. Should it be a project approach or a systematic approach?.
Obid Khakimov, elaborated on the potential of Central Asia countries. According to one Boston based institute, in the next 10 years, Central Asia will attract approximately US$ 170 billion in investments. Good Infrastructure is imperative, connectivity reduces poverty. As a result, the conference will lead to the showcasing of Uzbekistan achievements. From landlock to land link.
Wassenaar, 2nd July 2021. H.E. Mr Gamaliel Nkurunziza, Ambassador of Burundi in the Netherlands invited compatriots and friends to his residence to celebrate Burundis’59th anniversary of independence. Scores of Burundians from all walks of life and friends of Burundi accepted the invitation.
Among the attendees were those coming from neighbouring Germany and Belgium. It has been a dazzling garden party on the spacious and lush lawns of the residence.
Ambassador Nkurunziza delivered a powerful welcome address, he stressed the importance of unity among his people. Further, he paid homage to Prince Rudoviko Rwagasore, who sacrificed his life for his beloved Burundi. Other speakers at the event were members of the diaspora in the Netherlands. Their focus was also on the unity of Burundians in Burundi and beyond.
Burundi National Day 2021
The full text of Ambassador Gamaliel Nkurunziza speech is attached hereunder.
“It is my honor, on behalf of the Government of Burundi, to address you on this occasion of the celebration of the 59th anniversary of our Independence.
This is a special and great day for Burundians. We have listen the song of our Independence, and we must take all the words from our National Anthem as our guidance because this song is full of inspirations and a lot of teachings.
From the day it was sung “Everything reflects the image of our country”. Burundians must therefore take it by heart, and that must be put into practice in everything they do, in everything they say, and in their behavior such as the wish to “Be respected at the international level” which is contained in the national anthem. Consequently, the Nation will respect Burundi because “A Man is respected as he is”.
“To have a significant place in the realm of the concert of the nations” (Shinga icumu mu mashinga) which is a patriotic value and behavior characterizing someone who is independent especially Burundian. According to the Speech of the hero of Independence, we are all invited to evaluate our progress through our reflection of different values such as: patriotism, integrity, unity, humanity. True Burundians are known by these values.
I take this opportunity to thank every one of you for having sacrificed your others important occupations to attend this event knowing how busy you can be in this country. Starting to the one who helped in the preparation of this event, those who have come from far, they are many who made a big effort to come here after work. Thank you so much. This witnessed that Burundians are united and are characterized by love.
Today is an important day for our country and for Burundians living here in the Netherlands. This is time to make up our mind because this day we celebrate our Independence day is a good opportunity to take a look on were we come from and where we are going especially in following steps for people who guided us in the process of fighting for our independence “The Prince Rudoviko Rwagasore” who sacrificed his life so that Burundian can be independent, his will always be our hero.
In fact, the motto of the hero of our Independence, Prince Louis Rwagasore, was Progress. In order to achieve Development, he emphasized on the role of cooperatives, working together for all Burundians need to progress because no single Burundian would be left behind.
It is in that view that I invite every Burundian who resides in the Kingdom of the Netherlands to come and work together. Nothing should separate us. I noticed all Burundians in their differences are here to celebrate together our Independence Day.
As I promised, I encourage everyone willing to support our independence especially in the angle of developing our country, to feel free and join me as your servant. There is no place like home, we have a beautiful country.
Continuing in that angle, as Burundians living in the Netherlands, it asks us to look behind and see if we really behaved like real Burundians, if we are doing what makes our country to continue being respected in the all communities. That is what every Burundian is called for. And I am calling everyone anywhere he lives to try continue to raise voices by presenting the good image of our country. I am calling all you to become ambassadors. As Burundians, we need to be proud of our country because we are going in better future. In order to strengthen that love, I would like to emphasize on the speech of our President H.E Evariste Ndayishimiye, which he delivered on the eve of the commemoration of the 59th anniversary of the independence of Burundi, we are commemorating today.
In the speech of our President, he called up on all of us and in our different background to be united in order that to contribute to the development of our country Burundi.
Leta Mvyeyi, Leta Nkozi has given a strong signal that when we are united we become stronger. It is time we turned the page of our history because our differences are our strengths to build our country. Our President his Excellency Evaliste Ndayishimiye has become the chief Commander of our country Development and urged us to follow his commandment.
And me as the Ambassador of Burundi in the Netherlands, I am calling you with a strong tone that every Burundian must put all his effort to contribute in our country development. I also please you to stop slandering your country. Because no matter what your country will always be your country, you will never get another one. You can get as many citizenships as you like, but Burundi will always be your first country and will always welcome you as a mother.
That is why I take this opportunity to invite all of you to be ambassadors of Burundi where you live, in your neighbors, your friends and make them know that Burundi is a country full of opportunities and potentialities. Make them to be interested in your country. Myself as Ambassador, I will serve as a bridge so that your wishes and projects can be achieved in the way of contributing to the development of Burundi and Burundians.
It is true that I am one Ambassador but I am unable to reach all friends of Burundi as the ones you are neighbouring with or who you brought here. Tell them what Burundi is where it comes from and where it is going, this will an honor for Burundi. I repeat here that there no country like Burundi. It is our mother-land whatever we will become, we will remained bound to Burundi, our country. Burundi will always be our mother land.
In a recent past, some Burundians tried to destroy the image of Burundi, this is against our values. Our country is our mother and in our valuable tradition, it is forbidden to maltreat your mother, your father, and your parents. Instead you engage a dialogue or suggest pieces of advice. A Burundian who dares to ill-treat, to destroy the image of their country, is considered as someone who lost their identity, their culture, and their values and in this time they are considered as cursed.
In fact, the motto of the hero of our Independence, Prince Louis Rwagasore, was Progress. In order to achieve Development, he emphasized on the role of cooperatives, working together for all Burundians need to progress because no single Burundian would be left behind.
It is in that view that I invite every Burundian who resides in the Kingdom of the Netherlands to come and we work together. Nothing should separate us. I noticed all Burundians in their differences are here to celebrate together our Independence Day.
As I promised, I encourage everyone willing to support our independence especially in the angle of developing our country, to feel free and join me as your servant.
There is no place like home, we have a beautiful country.
His Excellency our President asks us to be watching the time Burundians we must change, times have changed.
Our country underwent difficulties for decennia’s but those difficulties taught us. Now our country, Leta mvyeyi, Leta Nkozi in front of us invites us to achieve projects that every Burundian will benefit from, everything will come from us, not outside. Let’s then unite ourselves, walk hand in hand for seek of the development of our country and the outsider will join us. I am an Ambassador at a leading position and you are also ambassadors at your levels. We are called to promote the image of our country and this will lead to the true development of our country.
Living in difficulties is part of life. Even in the Netherlands went through hard times but now they overcame the hard moments. I am sure that they lough at us when a Burundian is damaging the image of his Country. What matters is not what we went through in the past, what matter is how we are managing our present to prepare a good future for us and generations to come.
For our dream future to become a reality every Burundian need to bring his part of contribution
Allow me to come back to our President speech when he emphasized that the solution of our problem will be found within Burundians themselves. Let us have trust in our leaders and not let any of us damage the image of our country or otherwise, they will be considered as cursed. Let us change positively and join the call of our President to rebuild the image of our country in the concert of the nations. I will do everything in my power with as Ambassador but your part is more powerful to reach where I will be unable to reach. As I mentioned it before, I am ready to welcome any Burundian who will be willing to contribute to the country development plan.
Let us build Burundi for the future of our children and generations to come. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all Burundians living in the Netherlands the ones who were able to get here today also the one who could not be here because of others obligations for being united like I found them, I hope that the spirit of unity, integrity and humanity you showed me will always be the motto of Burundian community in the Netherlands and that is what has always characterized Burundians.
Eventually, since my arrival in the Netherlands, whenever I needed you, you responded positively and massively. This shows me that tomorrow is bright and that the future holds many good surprises for us. Today was a working day, after work you were tired and you had to rest or do other personal tasks but you sacrificed all of that to attend this celebration. I thank you so much for your sacrifice.
Let us remain united, let us contribute to the promotion of the image of our country and most importantly, let us focus on the development of Burundi. Enjoy this celebration of our 59th Independence day. And May God Bless you all.
H.E. Mr. Hernán Salinas Burgos is the new Ambassador of the Republic of Chile to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. He presented his credentials to His Majesty King Willem-Alexander on July 14th, 2021.
Mr. Salinas Burgos was born in Santiago, where he earned his Bachelor of Law in 1975 from the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile (PUC), followed by a Master’s degree in International Law from the University of Chile (UC) in 1983. He then took up many roles throughout his career with a primary focus in International Law, including being a diplomat and a professor.
From 1990 to 1996, Mr. Salinas Burgos was the Deputy Head of the Legal Affairs Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Chile (MFA). During this period, he was also a member of the American Society of International Law and an associate member of the Spanish-Portuguese American Institute of International Law. In addition, he became the Extraordinary Professor of Public International Law (International Human Rights) at UC from 1994 onwards.
After his position in the Legal Affairs Department, Mr. Salinas Burgos moved on to becoming a member of the International Humanitarian Commission of Inquiry into the 1997 Additional Protocol I of the 1949 Geneva Conventions, a role he held until 2002. During his time as a member, he became a Professor of Public International Law at PUC in 1998.
In the following years, Mr. Salinas Burgos focused on education as he assumed the role of Professor of International Law, Trade and Investment at UC from 2006, teaching the subject Diplomatic Protection. Three years later, he also became a professor for the International Master’s Programme in Law at PUC, teaching the course Regulation of International Trade.
In the early 2010s, Mr. Salinas Burgos assumed a multitude of roles. From 2010 to 2014, he was Ambassador and the Director of the Legal Affairs Department at the MFA. During this period, he was also the Chairman of the National Humanitarian Commission for the Implementation of the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and its complementary instruments, as well as the Chairman of the National Humanitarian Commission for the Implementation of the 1949 Vienna Conventions. Both of these positions were held from 2011 to 2014. In addition, he was the Chairman of the Sixth (Judicial) Committee of the United Nations General Assembly in 2011. In the midst of all this, Mr. Salinas Burgos earned an additional Master of Laws at PUC and became a professor at the Diplomatic Academy of Chile in the same year, teaching the subject Regulation of International Trade.
Afterward, Mr. Salinas Burgos was a member of the Inter-American Judicial Committee (IAJC) of the Organization of American States (OAS) from 2014 to 2018, during which he was also president from 2017 to 2018. Simultaneously, he was a member of the Chilean Legal Defense Team in the Maritime Issue between Peru and Chile as well as in the Legal Issue between Bolivia and Chile at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Throughout this period, he was also a member of the Administrative Tribunal of the Latin American Integration Association for two years until 2015. Furthermore, he was the President of the Chilean Society for International Law from 2017 to 2018.
Following these roles, Mr. Salinas Burgos has been a member of the National Group of the Permanent Court of Arbitration since 2019. Until he became the Ambassador-Designate of Chile to the Netherlands, he was the permanent representative for Chile at the OAS for three years.
The diplomat community in The Hague sends a warm welcome to Ambassador Salinas Burgos and wishes him all the best in his new term.
The Hague – King Willem-Alexander at Noordeinde Palace receiving the Letters of credentials from the Ambassador of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. Francis Danti Kotia. Photography Wesley de Wit.
The Ambassador of the Republic of Ghana to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, His Excellency Mr. Francis Danti Kotia presented his Letters of Credence to His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Kingdom of the Netherlands at “Paleis Noordeinde” in The Hague, during a colourful ceremony on Wednesday 14th July, 2017.
At exactly 09.50hrs, the Royal Chamberlain to His Majesty the King arrived at the Chancery of the Embassy of Ghana and escorted the Ambassador in two Royal carriages to the palace. His Excellency and his spouse rode in the ceremonial carriage while the Deputy Head of Mission, Mr. M. H. Idris, who also accompanied the Ambassador sat in the second carriage.
The Ambassador and his spouse together with Mr. Idris were dressed in colourful Ghanaian Smock Fabrics.
At the Royal Palace a guard of honour consisting of a guard commander and two detachments from the Royal Netherlands Air Force base Gilze-Rijen was mounted for the ceremony. After a salute of four drum rolls, the parade played the Ghana National Anthem, followed by an inspection of the guard of honour by His Excellency Mr. Francis Danti Kotia, before he was escorted to the King.
