São Tomé and Principe, presidential election

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São Tomé and Principe, presidential election

September has been an eventful month for the island nation of São Tomé and Principe. Firstly, 5 September marked the second round of their presidential election, with a runoff between Guilherme Posser da Costa of the previous ruling party, MLSTP-PSD, and eventual winner Carlos Vila Nova of the ADI.

With observers noting a “peaceful and calm environment” the campaign centered on response to the COVID-19 pandemic and concerns of its spread on the island as well as a uniform disparagement of corruption on the island and practices of vote buying. With gatherings banned and mandatory social distancing, the campaign and election had a notably muted atmosphere about it with generally good conduct throughout the process and no issues to note.

Carlos Vila Nova announced his victory as soon as it was apparent, which was accepted by his opponent and the wider community. Prime Minister Jorge Bom Jesus as well as the presidents of Angola and Portugal congratulated him on his victory. A former Minister of Infrastructure, Natural Resources and the Environment, Vila Nova was inaugurated on 2 October 2021.

In addition to the presidential election, September marked another important milestone for São Toméans as, by the end of the month, it was announced that 10% of the country had been vaccinated against COVID-19, a first step hailed by the UN and the WHO as a huge achievement, making it one of only 16 African nations that have met this target.

https://www.afro.who.int/news/sao-tome-and-principe-reaches-first-global-target-vaccination-against-covid-19-vaccinating

https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-africa-47639452?pinned_post_locator=urn:asset:81a8f4d6-a458-44c9-8a59-b9e2318e4634

https://www.rfi.fr/pt/s%C3%A3o-tom%C3%A9-e-pr%C3%ADncipe/20210612-mais-de-uma-dezena-de-candidatos-%C3%A0s-elei%C3%A7%C3%B5es-presidenciais-s%C3%A3otomenses

Montblanc Blue Spirit: a product line made from environmentally friendly materials

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Montblanc Blue Spirit: a product line made from environmentally friendly materials

Montblanc is committed to manufacturing products that are in harmony with our blue planet, and helping to preserve it for future generations.

True to commitment, Montblanc presents the Montblanc Blue Spirit collection of bags and accessories. Montblanc Blue Spirit line is made of recycled fabric, and other environmentally friendly materials. The functional range of backpacks, tote bags, shoulder bags and a travel bag in black was designed for urban explorers, and creative adventurers who are conscious of their footprint, and wish to express themselves through their choice of stylish companions.

The Montblanc Blue Spirit collection offers modern sophistication and intelligent functionality for environmentally conscious people. Reaffirming your commitment to reducing your footprint on this precious and fragile planet we call home!

For further information https://www.montblanc.com/de-de/discover/campaign/blue-spirit

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Images courtesy of Montblanc 

ICC Prosecutor receives delegation from Ukraine

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ICC Prosecutor receives delegation from Ukraine

The Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Mr Karim A.A. Khan QC, receives high level delegation from Ukraine

On Monday, 18 October 2021, the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (“ICC” or the “Court”), Mr Karim A.A. Khan QC, and his team met with a high-level delegation from Ukraine at the Seat of the Court led by the Prosecutor General of Ukraine, H.E. Mrs  Iryna Venediktova.

The visit provided a valuable opportunity to engage with the Ukrainian authorities in productive discussions, including on the topics of cooperation and complementarity.

The Prosecutor General and her team provided updates regarding the criminal justice system and the legal framework in Ukraine, as well as an overview of her office’s efforts to achieve accountability for conflict-related crimes. Building on the close collaboration between the ICC Office of the Prosecutor and the Ukrainian authorities during the preliminary examination phase concerning this Situation, Mrs Venediktova underscored the Ukrainian authorities’ readiness to continue to cooperate with the Prosecutor’s Office in the framework of the Rome Statute.

During the meeting, the Prosecutor commended the commitment and cooperation by the Ukrainian authorities, and welcomed the constructive and collaborative exchange with the Prosecutor General and her team. He thanked the Prosecutor General for her assurances of continued collaboration and recalled the importance he attaches to cooperation with Ukraine and all parties to the conflict in the impartial and independent exercise of the Office’s mandate.

The Prosecutor stressed the importance of promoting accountability with a view to determining how justice may best be served under the shared framework of complementary domestic and international action.

PM Kurz as stepped down

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PM Kurz as stepped down

Prime Minister Sebastian Kurz of Austria is out. He has stepped down after being placed under investigation of using government money to fund positive press coverage of his government. His rule had been threatened by his coalition junior partner, the Greens, beginning talks with opposition to bring a vote of no confidence within a week.

It is uncertain where Austrian politics will go from here, with Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg proposed as a caretaker chancellor many hope that Kurz will return as he continues to lead his Peoples’ Party in the meantime and retains his seat in parliament. The Greens welcomed this choice, while the opposition Social Democrats lamented his close relationship with Kurz, claiming that the former leader will keep as a “shadow chancellor,” a position that would not only undermine trust in the government, but in any corruption investigations as well.

Schallenberg, a career diplomat, has occupied a relatively low profile on the political stage to this point, known as a skilled diplomat and staunch supporter of Kurz. Few know what to expect of his government other than a continued defense of his predecessor.

He has expressed an aim to continue partnership with the Greens in government; a relationship that neither party sees as ideal, but as a practical partnership where tensions sometimes run high. However, after talks with Vice-Chancellor Werner Kogler of the Greens, this partnership looks most likely to continue for now.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-58856796

Alexander Schallenberg takes reins over the Austrian cabinet

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Alexander Schallenberg takes reins over the Austrian cabinet

Monday, 11 October 2021, Vienna, Republic of Austria: Federal President Alexander van der Bellen swore in a novel chancellor in Austria, Alexander Schallenberg, who hitherto had been serving as the country’s chief of diplomacy. Career diplomat Michael Linhart became the country’s new foreign minister.
Alexander Schallenberg (born 20 June 1969 in Bern, Swiss Confederation) takes over two days after his predecessor Sebastian Kurz resigned amidst corruption allegations, nonetheless the direction of governmental policy is not expected to change.

Albeit Sebastian Kurz stepped down from his capacity as chancellor, he is keeping his role as party leader of the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP), and becomes the head of the party’s parliamentary group, keeping him at the heart of Austrian politics whilst he struggles against the corruption allegations.

Schallenberg served in the capacity as Austria’s foreign minister since 2019, while Linhart was Austria’s ambassador to France hitherto. All other ministers from the previous cabinet remained in office. 

Chancellor Schallenberg speaks fluent German, English, Spanish, and French as well as smatterings of Russian. He is known for supporting the bulk of Sebastian Kurz’s policies, including a stand against uncontrolled immigration, as well as a thougher protection of EU external borders. 

For further information 

Federal Presidency of Austria: 

https://www.bundespraesident.at/aktuelles/detail/ernennung-und-angelobung-von-bundeskanzler-schallenberg-und-aussenminister-linhart

The Federal Chancellorship of Austria: 

https://www.bundeskanzleramt.gv.at/bundeskanzleramt/nachrichten-der-bundesregierung/2021/10/alexander-schallenberg-als-bundeskanzler-angelobt.html

Montenegrin president welcomed Ambassador Al Shamsi

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Montenegrin president welcomed Ambassador Al Shamsi

Tuesday, 12 October 2021, Podgorica, Republic of Montenegro: President Milo Đukanović received the UAE Ambassador in his homeland, H.E. Ms. Nabila Abdelaziz Nasir Saeed Al Shamsi. 

Ambassador Nabila Al Shamsi took the opportunity to point out that she highly appreciates the hospitality and friendship of Montenegro and the President personally towards the United Arab Emirates. She handed the President an invitation letter from HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, to participate in the Sustainability Summit to be held in Abu Dhabi in January next year, with best wishes for the continuation of previously established cooperation and further development of interstate relations.

With gratitude for the invitation, President Đukanović gladly accepted the participation in the Summit during Sustainability Week, appreciating that this is an impressive idea and event that is traditionally organized by the UAE.

He welcomed the ambassador’s contribution to preserving and improving relations between the two countries during her tenure. Montenegro remains stable in its commitment to preserve and promote friendship with the UAE and intensify interstate cooperation, the President said. He reminded that the two countries have divided and developed cooperation in almost all departments, with the conviction that it will continue to improve on well-laid foundations.

The interlocutors also exchanged views on current geopolitical developments in the light of the recently held EU-WB Summit and further pan-European perspectives of Montenegro, and the region.

For further information
Presidency of Montenegro: http://www.predsjednik.me/view_page.php?id=1656

UAE Embassy in Montenegro: https://www.mofaic.gov.ae/en/Missions/Podgorica/The-Embassy/About-the-Ambassador
Video of the presidential encounter with Ambassador Nabila Al Shamsi: https://www.facebook.com/predsjednikcg/videos/1281220242318508

Eswatini roiled by protests

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Eswatini roiled by protests

Mbabane and other cities across Eswatini has been roiled by protests for months now against the absolute rule of King Mswati III and his handling of the country’s economy and handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Primary, secondary, and University students have been at the forefront of this movement with popular demonstrations, strikes, and seizing control of streets.

The strike actions and conflict with students has recently had new developments as at least sixteen schools have now closed indefinitely mostly due to students delivering petitions to teachers demanding such until the release of detained Pro-Democracy MPs. Prime Minister Cleopas Sipho Dlamini and Education and Training Minister Lady Howard Mabuza have denounced these interruptions with warnings to teachers against showing solidarity with students or taking part in protests. Many teachers across the country have supported their students through the crisis.

Appeals were made across the country to parents to control their children so that education can resume and the protests will stop. Students have rejected this and have been recorded throwing stones at police and their own parents, vowing to continue striking until MPs are released, democratic reforms are instituted, and, for many, until the monarchy is abolished.

As of now, there is no end in sight to these protests and the government has offered no concessions.

http://www.times.co.sz/news/133830-16-schools-closed-indefinitely-will-not-open-today.html

http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=16972 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-africa-58492599

Bavarian Premier received Ambassador Gallard

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Bavarian Premier received Ambassador Gallard

Wednesday, 6 October 2021, Munich, Free State of Bavaria, Germany: In the framework of her official visit in Munich, British Ambassador Jill Gallard was received at the State Chancellery by the Bavarian head of government, Premier Dr. Markus Söder as well as the Head of State Chancellery, Dr. Florian Herrmann, Minister of State for Federal Affairs. 

The bilateral encounter took place at the Council of State Hall. Ambassador Gallard was accompanied by Consul General Simon Kendall. 

Within Germany, Bavaria is perhaps the largest economic partner for the UK, and therefore the political ties are always of much relevance for both sides. As a matter of fact, the Free State of Bavaria intends to opening an own representation in London, addition to her network in Brussels, Prague, Kyiv, Tel Aviv as well as Addis Ababa. 

As per a Spokesperson from the British Embassy, “there are approximately 14,000 UK nationals living in Bavaria, and the region is popular with British tourists. More than 260 British companies have invested in Bavaria. Over 80% of Scotland’s twinning partnerships are with Bavaria”.


For further information: 


Government of Bavaria: https://www.bayern.de/staatskanzlei/staatsminister-dr-florian-herrmann/


Her Britannic Majesty’s Embassy in the Federal Republic of Germany: https://www.gov.uk/world/germany/news

Cabinet Bouden unveiled in Tunisia

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Cabinet Bouden unveiled in Tunisia

Monday, 11 October 2021, Republic of Tunisia: At Carthage Palace, President Kais Saied formally appointed the cabinet led by Najla Bouden, making history herself for being the first woman in the Arab world to occupy the office of a head of government. 

Najla Bouden’s cabinet encompasses twenty-five members, including nine women besides the prime minister. 

Othman Jerandi became chief of diplomacy.  Mohamed Moez Belhassine assumed the leadership of the Ministry of Tourism, a key industry in the north African state. Hitherto he had been serving in the capacity of director-general of Tunisia’s National Tourism Bureau. 

Bouden had been handpicked by President Saeid on 29 September 2021, and entrusted with the mission to form a new government. 

For further information: 
Presidency of Tunisia: https://www.carthage.tn/?q=ar/موكب-أداء-اليمين-لحكومة-السيدة-نجلاء-بودن-رمضان

Katia Borghesi – Objets du Desir 8 – 21 October 2021

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Katia Borghesi – Objets du Desir 8 – 21 October 2021

An Exhibition about longing, memory & artistic appropriation

‘Objets du Désir’, the solo-exhibition with work by Katia Borghesi and curated by Marie Jeanne de Rooij, will be on view at TV05 (Tournooiveld 5, The Hague) from Friday 8 to Thursday 21 October 2021. Two of Borghesi’s recent series of paintings will be shown for the first time: La Famiglia (Gogottes) & Jouets du XXème Siècle (la série russe). ‘Objets du Désir’ is an exhibition about longing, memory and magical appropriation through the medium of painting.

Friday 8 October 2021 at 5 p.m. ‘Objets du Désir’ will be officially opened by Alexander Khodakov, former ambassador of Russia and writer of a memoir entitled, ‘La Cuisine diplomatique’.

Katia Borghesi decided to choose wholeheartedly for her artistic career after finishing her studies at KABK The Hague and say goodbye to her long employment at international and NGO offices. Using as her motto ‘The best is yet to come…’ she is working non-stop and compellingly on her paintings which always form part of a special series. Borghesi is examining within the framework of a specific theme her personal desire to capture an autobiographical memory or a personal longing in paintings which allows her to ‘own’, to appropriate the desired object through the magic of painting.

With her Italian roots and born and raised in Paris, Katia Borghesi is able to ground easily and from this she developed her fine-tuned antenna to register what is out of the ordinary and seemingly elusive. This sensibility allows her to capture specific patterns in many subtle variations, such as in an earlier but still continuing series, ’04:00 a.m.’ which serially reckons with the monotonous ‘gray’ office years from her past.

In her two most recent series Katia Borghesi paints portraits of objects which re-evoke her memories. ‘La Famiglia (Gogottes)’ is a series in different formats of rare, enchanting sand-sculptures formed by nature itself, unearthed amongst other sites, at Fontainebleau and already uncovered and admired by Louis XIV. During school trips, Borghesi enjoyed as a child the nature, the grass and the sand at Fontainebleau. Much later, by coincidence she discovered images online of these ‘gogottes’ that she portrays in pastel colors and in this way makes them hers.

Also ‘Jouets du XXème Siècle (la série russe)’ is bringing memory and desire together. As a little girl Borghesi dreamed about the toys in shop windows.  She later came across the endearing rubber toys made in Russia dating from the last century while scrolling on the internet, awakening her feeling of ‘I want them’ and memories of her magical childhood. Painting portraits of these ‘objets du désir’ is making ‘owning them’ possible.

Curator Marie Jeanne de Rooij worked earlier as director and curator at Galerie Nouvelles Images, GEMAK & Vrije Academie The Hague and The Hague Sculpture.

Info: www.katiaborghesi.com, contact exhibition: Objetsdudesir@protonmail.com Address: TV05, Tournooiveld 5, The Hague

Opening hours: 8 – 21 October 2021, 3 – 5 p.m. & by appointment.n.b. TV05-location is part of Anna’s Kiss & Ride by Anna Vastgoed & Cultuur, www.annavastgoedencultuur.nl

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