Trinidad &Tobagoā€™s Althea Alexis-Windsor Elected to Bench of The ICC

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Trinidad &Tobagoā€™s Althea Alexis-Windsor Elected to Bench of The ICC

By Roy Lie Atjam.

Trinidad &TobagoĀ  High Court judge Justice Althea Alexis-Windsor has been elected to the International Criminal Court (ICC) Madame Justice Althea Alexis-Windsor, who was endorsed by the Member States of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), was assessed as being highly qualified for appointment as a judge of the International Criminal Court.

Alexis-Windsor was elected in the eighth round with 86 of the 118 votes. She surpassed her rival from Tunisia, Haykel Ben Mahfoudh. Judges who are nominated to the ICC have experience either litigating or adjudicating cases before the International Criminal Tribunals and the ICC itself.

Althea Alexis-Windsor

Madame Justice Alexis-Windsor possesses over 23 years of experience in the field of criminal law including international criminal law. She has served as a Trial Attorney and Appeals Counsel at the International Criminal Tribunal on Rwanda (ICTR) and currently holds the office of Judge of the Supreme Court of Trinidad and Tobago where she has been serving for the past seven (7) years. Madame Justice Alexis-Windsor also has a Master of Law (LLM) in International Criminal Law, specializing in the Internalization of Crime and Criminal Justice from the University of Utrecht in the Netherlands.

The election of Madame Justice Alexis-Windsor is a testament to Trinidad and Tobagoā€™s international recognition for our pioneering work in the establishment of the ICC which predates the entry into force of the Rome Statute.

In 1989, the late former Prime Minister and President Arthur N.R. Robinson resurrected the idea of the establishment of a court with jurisdiction over international crimes in an address to the United Nations General Assembly.

Madame Justice Alexis-Windsor will receive her instruments of office on 10th March 2021.

Photo courtesy Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trinidad & Tobago.

Armenian’s update

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Armenian’s update

H.E. Mr. Tigran Balayan, Ambassador of Armenia to the Kingdom of The Netherlands  

30 January 2021 

“In Armenia the COVID-19 pandemic is improving remarkably, for the second consecutive week we have merely 10% of positive tests within the general population. Because of the latter, our government decided to open all the borders to tourists and taking into consideration that we have no visa regime with our neighbours Iran and Georgia, we expect many tourists to flock, at least from our neighbouring countries. 

From February, the Armenian aviation industry re-established connections to various countries, including Russia and everyone who wants to visit Armenia, and enjoy winter is welcome to visit.  

To enter Armenia, the traveller is required to hold a negative test result for COVID-19, alternatively a test can be taken at the airport for about 35 euros. Isolation is required until a negative result is produced. People with negative results are free to go everywhere they wish within Armenia.  

Albeit the tourism industry as a whole has suffered during the pandemic, Armenian wines are selling rather well, specially during the lockdowns. The latter was industry was affected little according to the main distributor of Armenian wine and spirits, the Royal Beverage Group. Sales for 2020 are up, and also several Dutch wines websites such as Bovino include a plethora Armenian wines in their catalogue. We are working very close with duty free services to include Armenia cognac, and wines in their catalogues.”

For further information

 http://tourismarmenia.org/#axzz6l4DuMyeG

Latvian Māris KliŔāns heads to Spain

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Latvian Māris KliŔāns heads to Spain

MaĢ„ris KlisĢŒaĢ„ns – Picture by Latvian Embassy in the Netherlands.

Friday, 29 January 2021, Madrid, Kingdom of Spain: Ambassador Māris KliŔāns has been accredited to Spain before His Majesty King Felipe VI at the Royal Palace. The ceremony took place in the presence of Spainā€™s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Arancha GonzĆ”lez Laya.

Given that Latvia and Spain are celebrating the centenary of their diplomatic relations in 2021, the Ambassador renewed the invitation from the President of Latvia, Egils Levits, for the King of Spain to visit Latvia to celebrate this landmark event. His Majesty welcomed the news that the embassies of both countries are working on events to commemorate the centenary of diplomatic relations.

Picture by Casa del Rey – Spanish Royal Househo



This year marks the centenary since Spain recognised Latvia de jure and diplomatic relations were established on 9 April 1921.

Three decades ago on 27 August 1991, Spain recognised the restoration of Latviaā€™s independence, and this was followed by the resumption of diplomatic ties on 9 October 1991. Māris KliŔāns is the eighth Latvian Ambassador to Spain since the restoration of Latviaā€™s independence and the thirteen diplomatic representative of Latvia accredited to Spain since Spain recognised Latviaā€™s independence on 9 April 1921.

Māris KliŔāns began his career with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1992. He has been posted Ambassador to Norway, The Netherlands and Greece, and non-resident Ambassador to Iceland, Cyprus and Serbia as well as Permanent Representative of Latvia to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.

For further information 
Embassy of Latvia in Spain and Andorra: https://www.mfa.gov.lv/en/news/latest-news/67416-ambassador-maris-klisans-presents-credentials-to-king-felipe-vi-of-spain

Latvia – Bigger than you think by Ambassador Māris KliŔāns: http://www.diplomatmagazine.eu/2013/11/03/latvia-bigger-think/

Bvlgari at LVMH Watch Week

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Bvlgari at LVMH Watch Week

25-29 January 2021: Following the success of the inaugural edition of LVMH Watch Week held at Dubai in January 2020, LVMH watchmaking Bvlgari, Hublot and Zenith are back with a digital iteration of the event. 

The second edition kicked off with an online press conference. For the introduction, StĆ©phane Bianchi was joined by Jean-Christophe Babin, CEO of Bvlgari, Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot and Julien Tornare, CEO of Zenith. Each Maisonā€™s CEO subsequently shared the brandsā€™ strategies and unveil new exclusive timepieces. 

Jean-Christophe Babin noted that the new creations from Bvlgari express its Estetica Della Meccanica. ā€œOur unique spirit is anchored in jewellery savoir-faire and craftsmanship with iconic and bold designs, fusing the Italian roots of our DNA with incomparable Swiss expertise.ā€ 

During the presentation week Bvlgari celebrates the beauty of colour with the launch of Divasā€™ Dream Peacock Dischi and Divasā€™ Dream Peacock Tourbillon LumiĆØre, two limited editions blending prestigious decorative techniques and jewellery-making know-how with rare Swiss watchmaking expertise. 

Inspired by the regal beauty of the peacock, the watches use unexpected materials and exclusive metiers dā€™art, bringing the animalā€™s colour magic to life on the exceptional natural peacock feather marquetry dial. 

Part of the magnificent series celebrating the regal animal, the Divasā€™ Dream Peacock Diamonds features a peacock motif appearing in all its glorious majesty and delicately hand-painted with meticulous partitions, while the peacockā€™s outline has been realized with the exclusive goldsmithing technique called champlevĆ©. The dialā€™s rich hues are enhanced by a supple bracelet featuring the collectionā€™s iconic fan-shaped motif, entirely set with diamonds, for a spectacular effect.Ā 

For further informationĀ 
https://www.bulgari.com/en-us/lvmh-watch-week.html?fbclid=IwAR2N_kM7tZBv_WiQGQU30P8gFGjweD5eIJU9UQ4fROCtIDcfX07q2ZWRlwI

LVMH Watch Week:Ā https://www.lvmh.com/news-documents/news/lvmh-watch-week-2021-zenith-presents-latest-timepieces/,Ā https://www.lvmh.com/news-documents/news/lvmh-watch-brands-present-the-2021-lvmh-watch-week/

Picture by Bvlgari.

The Ambassador of Rwanda Presents Credentials to The King

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The Ambassador of Rwanda Presents Credentials to The King


H.E. Ambassador Olivier Jean Patrick Nduhungirehe Presents Credentials to His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands


Rwandaā€™s Ambassador to the Netherlands H.E. Mr. Olivier Jean Patrick Nduhungirehe, who was accompanied by his spouse and First Secretary Herbert Ndahiro, was received on November 25th 2020 at the Noordeinde Palace in The Hague where he presented his letters of credence to His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

His Majesty King Willem Alexander of The Netherlands and H.E. Mr. Olivier Jean Patrick Nduhungirehe, Ambassador of Rwanda.

During the ceremony, H.E. Ambassador Nduhungirehe conveyed H.E. President Kagameā€™s greetings and wishes for good health, happiness and well-being to His Majesty King Willem-Alexander and the people of the Netherlands. The Ambassador briefed the King about developments in Rwanda regarding socio-economic development, peace and stability.

Prior to the presentation of his letters of credence H.E. Ambassador Nduhungirehe was invited to inspect the Guard of Honour at the Palace.

H.E. Mr. Olivier Jean Patrick Nduhungirehe, Ambassador of Rwanda, during the presentation of his credentials to The King of The Netherlands.

H.E. Ambassador Olivier Jean Patrick Nduhungirehe is Ambassador of the Republic of Rwanda to the Kingdom of the Netherlands with accreditation to the OPCW in The Hague and to the Baltic states Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.

Kuwait appoints 38th cabinet

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Kuwait appoints 38th cabinet

In the picture HH Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Hamad Al Sabah.

Sunday, 24 January 2021, Kuwait City, State of Kuwait: His Highness The Emir of the State of Kuwait, Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmed Al-Jabr Al-Mubarak Al Sabah tasked HH Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Hamad Al Sabah with nominating a new 38th cabinet for approval.

The barely one month-old government had been acting in a caretaker role since it resigned over the confrontation with parliament. The situation has complicated efforts to tackle a severe liquidity crunch in the wealthy OPEC member state caused by low oil prices and the coronavirus pandemic.

Head of government, Sheikh Sabah Al Khalid (b. 3 March 1953) is Kuwait’s eighth prime minister. From 2011 to 2019 he served as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister.Ā 

On Tuesday, 2 March 2021 His Highness The Emir issued a decree appointed the cabinet as submitted by Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Hamad Al Sabah. ThereinĀ HEĀ SheikhĀ Dr. Ahmad Nasser Al-Muhammad Al-Ahmad Al-SabahĀ was confirmed as chief of diplomacy and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs.Ā 

Kuwait has the most vibrant political system amongst the Gulf Arab states, with a parliament able to pass, and block, legislation and question ministers. However, some senior governmental posts are occupied by members of Kuwaitā€™s ruling family, and the emir has final say in state matters.

For further information 
Prime Ministerial Diwan: http://www.pm.gov.kw

KUNA: https://www.kuna.net.kw/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=2956663

Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah – Picture through Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.

United Kingdom Contributes Ā£29,000 to Support OPCW Training

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United Kingdom Contributes Ā£29,000 to Support OPCW Training
The Hague,Ā NetherlandsĀ ā€“Ā 27Ā January 2021Ā ā€“Ā The Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland has madeĀ aĀ voluntaryĀ contributionĀ of Ā£29,000 to supportĀ training activities atĀ the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).Ā 
The contribution wasĀ formalized during a ceremony between the Permanent RepresentativeĀ ofĀ theĀ United Kingdom to the OPCW, H.E. AmbassadorĀ Joanna Roper CMG, and OPCW Director-General, H.E. Mr Fernando Arias, which was held at OPCW Headquarters in The Hague.Ā The fundsĀ willĀ support training forĀ inspectors and other relevant OPCW personnel in skills necessary forĀ non-routineĀ inspections, investigations and Rapid Response and Assistance Mission (RRAM) deployments, as well as forĀ regional Assistance and Protection training in the Caribbean.Ā 

AmbassadorĀ Roper remarked: ā€œI am delighted to make a further contribution towards supporting OPCW inspector training and capacity building activities in the Caribbean. This voluntary contribution will enable tangible improvements to the capabilities of States Parties and help achieve a world free of chemical weapons.ā€Ā 

The Director-GeneralĀ stated: ā€œI thank the Government of the United Kingdom forĀ itsĀ continuousĀ support to theĀ OPCW.Ā DevelopingĀ personnelĀ expertise is critical to maintainingĀ the Organizationā€™sĀ readinessĀ and capabilityĀ toĀ lend a helping hand toĀ itsĀ Member StatesĀ duringĀ emergencyĀ and non-routineĀ situations.Ā Additionally, building regional assistance and protectionĀ capacityĀ ensures greaterĀ abilityĀ of Member States toĀ confidentlyĀ handleĀ chemical crises.ā€Ā 

Mahamat Said Abdel Kani surrendered to the ICC

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Mahamat Said Abdel Kani surrendered to the ICC

Situation in Central African Republic II: Mahamat Said Abdel Kani surrendered to the ICC for crimes against humanity and war crimes

Today, 24 January 2021, Mr Mahamat Said Abdel Kani, also known as ā€œMahamat Said Abdel Kainā€ and ā€œMahamat SaĆÆd Abdelkaniā€ (ā€œMr Saidā€),  was surrendered to the International Criminal Court (“ICC” or “the Court”) by the authorities of the Central African Republic (“CAR”) on account of an ICC  warrant of arrest issued under seal on 7 January 2019. Mr Said is suspected of war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed in Bangui (CAR) in 2013. 

When issuing the warrant of arrest, the Single Judge of Pre-Trial Chamber II, Rosario Salvatore Aitala, found that there were reasonable grounds to believe that an armed conflict not of an international character was ongoing on the territory of the CAR from at least March 2013 until at least January 2014 between the Seleka ā€“ a coalition of armed groups predominantly composed of Muslims opposed to former president FranƧois BozizĆ© ā€“ and the Anti-Balaka ā€“ a movement opposed to the Seleka and supportive of former president BozizĆ©.

Moreover, the Single Judge found reasonable grounds to believe that, from at least March 2013 until at least January 2014, a widespread and systematic attack was conducted by members of the Seleka against the civilian population and those perceived to be collectively responsible for, complicit with or supportive of the former BozizƩ government and, later, of the Anti-Balaka.

The Single Judge found reasonable grounds to believe that Mr Said, a national of the Central African Republic, born on 25 February 1970 in Bria, was a Seleka commander and, in this capacity, he is suspected of being responsible for the following crimes:

Ā·           crimes against humanity (imprisonment or other severe deprivation of liberty; torture; persecution; enforced disappearance; and other inhumane acts; and

Ā·           war crimes (torture and cruel treatment).

Mr Said is suspected of having committed these crimes jointly with others and/or through others or ordered, solicited or induced these crimes or aided, abetted or otherwise assisted in the commission of these crimes; or in any other way contributed to the commission or these crimes.

The ICC Registrar, Mr Peter Lewis, thanked the authorities of the CAR and of the host State, The Netherlands, for their cooperation in the arrest and surrender of Mr Said to the Court.

The initial appearance of Mr Said before the Single Judge of Pre-Trial Chamber II, Judge Rosario Salvatore Aitala, will take place in due course.

A survey from Swiss Institute of Cultural Diplomacy

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A survey from Swiss Institute of Cultural Diplomacy

Swiss Institute of Cultural Diplomacy (SICD)established by Dr. Oleg Manuyta PhD., (SICD) is a research and educational philanthropic NGO based in Switzerland (Geneva).

Since 2018 we have been studying the connection between cultural differences and professional success, building communities and spreading innovative knowledge. The approach which inspired us was tested by the variety of Fortune top 1000 companies, diplomatic missions and international organizations (including IBM, FIFA, UN, etc).

COVID ā€“ 19 has changed professional life forever by moving business online. Most widely used professional web services and products were developed by the USA based companies. As of January 2020, English was the most popular language online, representing 25.9 percent of worldwide internet users.

Swiss Institute of Cultural Diplomacy has launched a global survey based onĀ the selection of modern cross-cultural theories advised by our scientific board.

The aim is to study how the professional environment changed for international cultural diplomats and executives worldwide. Our advising partner is the Diplomatic Society of St. Gabriel, the largest fraternity of diplomats, consular officials and other international relations professionals, Swiss and international businesses and NGOs.

Please, follow the links to share with us how COVID ā€“ 19 has changed professional life.


For people involved in Cultural Diplomacy:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf9gFS5zK41Uqj5_LxGIaaXONTfPh60G0sw_D8S8LNJuAx98g/viewform?embedded=true&gxids=7628&fbclid=IwAR1MLMIjmEUFPAi8rivo6FOTHHHoeale3AJ8bA9R_-a_wSHMb9xRQ2deRhE
For people involved in Executive and Business activities:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScLYB4iREGeE-lKRVxkG6mV37W17kSE3Z8-SngVXrZilvbMfw/viewform?embedded=true&gxids=7628&fbclid=IwAR3AIbjXFiiUSinR1r9BtwSf9Lxwvd0MSSJw5IwZhg9Qknmx3rBo33hIek8

Disclaimer: the Survey is designed for cultural diplomats in the broadest sense of the word as described here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cultural_diplomacy#:~:text=Cultural%20diplomacy%20is%20a%20type,order%20to%20foster%20mutual%20understanding%22. If you are an officially accredited member of a diplomatic mission, you may participate in case the Ministry of Foreign Affairs allows you to it. Swiss Institute of Cultural Diplomacy will not use the results of  the Survey for lucrative purposes but for scientific and educational purposes only. 
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Andorra Contributes to OPCW Centre

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Andorra Contributes to OPCW Centre
Andorra Contributes ā‚¬6,000 to Future OPCW Centre for Chemistry and Technology and ā‚¬5,000 to Trust Fund for Victims.

In the picture H.E. Ambassador Esther Rabasa Grau, and OPCW Director-General, H.E. Mr Fernando Arias. 

The Hague, The Netherlands ā€“ 25 January 2021-The Government of Andorra has contributed a further ā‚¬6,000 to a special Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Trust Fund to support the construction of a new facility, the OPCW Centre for Chemistry and Technology (ā€œChemTech Centreā€) and a further ā‚¬5,000 to the voluntary trust fund in support of the International Support Network for Victims of Chemical Weapons.  

The contributions were formalized on 22 January during an online ceremony between the Permanent Representative of Andorra to the OPCW, H.E. Ambassador Esther Rabasa Grau, and OPCW Director-General, H.E. Mr Fernando Arias. 

Ambassador Grau stated: ā€œWithā€Æthis second voluntary contribution, Andorra expresses its will to take part in the last lap of the funding for establishing the new ChemTech Centre. This Centre will increase the training and capacity building capabilities that the Secretariat can offer to the States Parties. Covid-19 has shown us that international threats require an international response and likewise the worldwide threat from chemical weapons use needs to be addressed by multilateralism. Andorra also continues to support the essential work of the International Support Network for Victims of Chemical Weapons.ā€ 
The Ambassador of Andorra, H.E. Esther Rabasa Grau.
The Director-General expressed: ā€œI thank the Government of Andorra for its support that will enable the OPCW to continue anchoring the chemical disarmament and non-proliferation infrastructure into a solid bedrock of science.ā€  

Director-General Arias appealed to all OPCW States Parties in a position to make voluntary contributions to do so. He further emphasized the important role the new ChemTech Centre will play in strengthening the OPCWā€™s ability to address chemical weapon threats and enhance capacity building activities. He highlighted that ā€œall contributions, regardless of size, are greatly appreciatedā€. So far, 45 countries, the European Union, and three other donors have contributed or pledged to contribute financially to the ChemTech Centre project, and a considerable amount has been raised to date. 
The project to build the ChemTech Centre is on-going and seeks to strengthen the OPCWā€™s capabilities to fully address new and emerging chemical weapons threats, as well as to support capacity building in OPCW Member States. The current OPCW Laboratory and Equipment Store are central to the effectiveness and integrity of the verification regime of the Chemical Weapons Convention, and they also contribute to the OPCWā€™s capacity-building and international cooperation activities.

However, the current facility will soon no longer be fit-for-purpose due to its ageing infrastructure, space constraints, larger workloads, and new missions with new areas of work. A new facility is required to meet the demands of OPCW Member States for enhanced verification tools, improved detection capabilities and response measures, as well as increased capacity-building activities.

The ChemTech Centre will also help the OPCW to keep pace with developments in science and technology and new chemical weapons threats. Construction of the ChemTech Centre is scheduled to begin in 2021 and the building is currently planned to be operational by the end of 2022.  

To date, the following Member States have contributed or pledged to contribute to the project: Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Australia, Bangladesh, Belgium, Canada, Chile, China, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Morocco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan, Peru, Poland, Portugal, the Republic of Korea, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the United States of America. The European Union, Israel (a signatory state) and other donors have also contributed. 
H.E. Mr. Fernando Arias, OPCW Director General during the online ceremony
In 2011, the Conference of the States Parties established theā€ÆInternational Support Network for Victims of Chemical Weaponsā€Æand a voluntary trust fund for thisā€Æpurpose. The OPCW Member States Parties can support the Network by providing medical treatment to victims of chemical weapons in their countries; organizing events to raise awareness at the national level on victims of chemical weapons; exchanging information on experiences related to treatment of victims of chemical weapons, through e.g. providing research scholarships to the developing States Parties in the field of the treatment of victims of chemical weapons; and facilitating materials- and equipment-related assistance to States Parties to assist and support the victims of chemical weapons. 

As the implementing body for the Chemical Weapons Convention, the OPCW, with its 193 Member States, oversees the global endeavour to permanently eliminate chemical weapons. Since the Conventionā€™s entry into force in 1997, it is the most successful disarmament treaty eliminating an entire class of weapons of mass destruction. Over 98% of all declared chemical weapon stockpiles have been destroyed under OPCW verification. For its extensive efforts in eliminating chemical weapons, the OPCW received the 2013 Nobel Peace Prize.
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