2020 – A Year when Distancing became Social

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2020 – A Year when Distancing became Social

By Prof. Anis H. Bajrektarevic.

A state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.

Definition of Health, Preamble of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Constitution, 1948

These days, many argue that our Covid (C-19) response is a planetary fiasco, whose size is yet to surface with its mounting disproportionate and enduring secondary effects, causing tremendous socio-economic, political and psychosomatic contractions and convulsions. But, worse than our response is our silence about it.

It is an established fact that the quintessence of Nazism was not Hitler and the circle of darkness around him. It was rather a commonly shared ‘banality of crime’ atmosphere: Benevolent acceptance of ordinary village people living next to Auschwitz, Mauthausen, Dachau that the nation must be ‘purified’ … The day when questioning stops and silent acceptance becomes a ‘new normal’ is a day when fascism walks in a big time. Of course, today we have a diagnosis for it: Manufacturing consent through choice architecture, of a fear-imprisoned, via media infantilised (returned to the pre-Oedipal phase) psychology of the de-socialised and alienated, an atomised one.

Appinion disguised as opinion

Did we really forget basic teaching of our history: Every time when the power was unchecked, it degenerated into the obscure brutality; ritualising its force with a stamp on or under our skin to visualise and immortalise the twilight of reason?

So, our C-19 response illustrates – the argument goes – nothing else but a social pathology: the non-transparent concentration of power, and our overall democracy recession – further bolstering surveillance and social control systems. All that as lasting consequences of cutbacks, environmental holocaust, privatisation (or PPP-ization) of key intergovernmental and vital national institutions, ill-aimed globalisation as well as of the fixation on overly allopathic, mandated (not repurposed but usually novel and expensive) drugs-centred healthcare, and lack of public data commons. Pandemic or plundermic …  

Trust in and support to governmental and intergovernmental institutions is rapidly deteriorating. Ever larger number of citizens do not see the mainstream media (or pop culture celebrities) at service for population. Dialogue and opinionation is rarefied and discouraged, if not even sanctioned. Hence, the faith in western medicine is in a free fall. Compromised generational contract and thinning social consensus are challenging our fabrics like never before in recorded history. The first real stress-test since the end of the WWII, the United Nations (UN) clearly didn’t pass. Many feel deeply disappointed with and disfranchised by the universal organisation and its Agencies for its lasting “self-marginalisation”.[1] Is our cohesion irreversibly destroyed?

Early lockdowns, mid-March 2020, were justified by a need to flatten the curve of the ‘sudden’ virus’ (harmfulness, mortality and transmissibility) impact, since there were no enough hospital beds. In the meantime, the lockdowns were extended and widened, curves not arguably altered. Still, for the past 9 months, there is hardly any new hospital built in the EU although the non-essential medical services are by and far suspended. Neither there was or is any massive investment into general health prevention. The only visible infrastructure growth is in 5/6G networks expansion. 

Following a simple ratio that the one’s level of health is genetic expression of life-style choices made, it is no surprise that there are also growing speculations if the lockdown – as the most notorious expression of monofocal perspective and rejection to any scientifically contested, debate-based integrated judgment – is invasion or protection:

  • And, if is there any back-to-normal exit from the crisis, or this disaster ‘turned into planetary terror, through global coup d’état’ will be exploited to further something already pre-designed (with a fear, not as a side-effect, but rather as a tool manufactured to gain control). Simply, is all that more related to the biotronics and demographics – ‘epsteinisation en masse’, than to health and economics or any common social purpose?

E.g. Le Monde Diplomatique – while examining the possible merge between tech oligopoly and political monopoly – claims: “Political decisions have been central in shaping this tragedy — from the destruction of animal habitats, to the asymmetric funding of medical research, to the management of the crisis itself. They will also determine the world into which we emerge after the worst is over.” Over the past 30 years, every critical juncture had a similar epilogue: pardon and enhancement for the capital, a burden and suppression for the labour. The C-19 is no exception to it: Ever since early lockdowns of March 2020, the capital flows unhindered while the labour, ideas and humans are under the house arrest.[2] The XXI century frontline is the right to health (incl. body integrity and informed consent) and labour, privacy and other fundamental human rights and liberties. (LMD, IV20)

Earth provides enough to satisfy everyone’s needs, but not for a single man’s greed

Still to be precise, the WHO- decreed virus pandemic brought nothing truly new to the already overheated conduct and increasingly binarized world affairs: It only amplified and accelerated what was present for quite some time – a rift between alienated power centres, each on its side of Pacific, and the rest. No wonder that the work on the C-19 vaccine is more an arms race than it is a collaborative humanistics. 

Would all this be – in its epilogue – about the expansion of techno-totalitarian model of government as an alternative to liberal democracy? Devolutionary singularisation into techno-feudalism as the highest stage of capitalism? Is now a time to return to the nation-state, a great moment for all dictators-in-waiting to finally build a cult of personality? Hence, will our democracy be electro-magnetised and vaccinated for a greater good (or greedier ‘god’)? Will we be (ever) allowed to exit this year?

One is certain, confronting the long-term interests of stakeholders with the short-term interests of shareholders, the private sector from both sides of Atlantic exercises disproportionate power in the technological share (infrastructure and data). It also largely benefits from the massive public research funds while in return paying dismal, negotiable tax if at all.[3] Far too often it comes with the nondisclosure agreements, liability outsourcing/protections and other unilaterally beneficial legal instruments as well as with the close ties between the private sector, intelligence agencies and media.[4]

The same applies to a big Pharma which increasingly dictates a non-preventive, monofocal approach to medicine and research, and controls reporting about it – not always in the name of our public health.

Therefore, the above represents the largest underreported threat to our democracy and future societal conduct.

Conclusively, bioinformatics is a dual-use technology. Past its formative age, it has today a huge weaponization potential for at home and abroad. Consequently and urgently, this necessitates a comprehensive legislation which builds up on the Universal Charter of Human Rights and Nuremberg Code, and rests on its effective enforcement (with the monitoring of compliance mechanisms as set for the IAEA, OPCW, RC-BTWC and the Nagoya protocol),[5] nationally and internationality.

Pop Europe, back to its Future 

By many accounts, 2020 – a year when distancing became social – will be remem- bered as the worst year in living memory (since 1939). Some would say; C-19 stopped history, as it locked down our dialogues. Actually, 2020 only quarantined and halted us, while in fact it accelerated history. This especially refers to the Old Continent.

As this author noted in spring 2020: “It is amply clear from the C-19 event that the right to health is an issue for all. The search for a reliable cure for pandemics control is not a matter of private business, but of fundamental individual rights situated on higher levels of sociableness, as embedded in the UN and EU Charters, and being obligatory for each of the UN Specialized Agencies or EU bodies to comply with. (Not a fear based manufactured consent, but the right for informed consent as an inseparable segment of the constitutionally endorsed right to health.)

Even if the vaccine becomes the agreed or preferred option, it must be made available patent-free for all, and locally manufactured. However, binarization of debate onto a pro-and-con vaccine represents a dangerous reductionism and waste of planetary energy critically needed for a holistic and novel approach. There is no silver bullet for the European problems. Consequently, there is no solution in one-directional medical research in response to any pandemic, and in a single-blended (or centrally manufactured, hastily introduced) and mandated medication for all. This especially refers to the genoccine.[6] (Dogma is based on a blind belief; science necessitates constant multidimensional exploration. Science, especially a medical one, holds no single or absolute truth: The closest it can get is to the least wrong answer – which must be contested constantly, literally every day.)

Proportionality of our (current and future) responses in Europe is another key issue. Hence, what presents itself as an imperative is the universal participation through intergovernmental mechanisms. That rule applies for at home and for abroad, as the Union has to comply with (and set example to) it urgently – since biology and geopolitics have one rule in common; comply or die.

Growing particularisms in Brussels quarters, where (on taxpayers money and public trust) it is more and more the particular – be it individual, regional, national, lobby-groups driven – interest that prevails over the solid all-European project of our common presence and future.”[7]   

Past the Brexit, the EU has to be extra cautious about its chronic democracy-deficit, apparatchik alienation of Brussels, as well as the brewing concerns that the EU without UK becomes yet another greater Germany.[8]

Vienna, 20 DEC 2020

About the author:

Prof. Anis H. Bajrektarevic

Prof. Anis H. Bajrektarevic – is chairperson and professor in international law and global political studies, Vienna, Austria.  He has authored seven books (for American and European publishers) and numerous articles on, mainly, geopolitics energy and technology.

Professor is editor of the NY-based GHIR (Geopolitics, History and Intl. Relations) journal, and editorial board member of several similar specialized magazines on three continents.

His 8th book, ‘No Asian Century’ is scheduled for winter 2020-21.

What New Institutions Do We Need for an International Green New Deal to be Feasible?

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What New Institutions Do We Need for an International Green New Deal to be Feasible?

As part of the Geneva Lecture Series concepted and conducted by prof. Anis H. Bajrektarevic, former Finance Minister of Greece, Professor Yanis Varoufakis centered his two-hour mesmerizing discussion on the pressing need for new international financial institutions in light of increasing inequality.

Despite its intensification with the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic, Varoufakis argues that this crisis simply amplified the basic workings of the 2008 financial crisis, which was never adequately addressed. As a result, relatively low investment on savings and perpetual stagnation have produced sinister byproducts of populism, racism and xenophobia. The crisis of 2008 proved to be a pivotal moment in which a variety of actors agreed that a recalibration of global financial institutions was imperative due to the imbalances in trade and flow of capital.

Professor reflected on the emergence of the Bretton Woods system in the 1940s, specifically the vision of Harry Dexter White, representing the United States, which would characterize the new world order.  White proposed a structure anchored on the American-post war trade surplus.  This entailed fixed exchange rates pegged to the US dollar. Such a system implies that the surpluses of certain countries are “recycled” into deficit countries, with the United States being the only surplus position at this time in history. This dynamic ushered in an era of capitalism characterized by growth, low inflation, shrinking inequality, and low unemployment.

When this surplus collapsed in the late 1960s and with the advent of the oil crisis, American trade deficits began to increase. This meant that by the mid 1980s, The United States was importing en masse from Germany, Italy, the Netherlands  Japan, China and the various petrol states. As a result, this deficit left factories in other parts of the world facing less demand.  Moreover, 70% of profits of these net import countries were “recycled” into the American financial market. This period was marked by an enormous wave of capital and its financialization from the 1980s until 2008.  The resulting austerity measures in the aftermath of the crisis led to an imbalance between global savings and global investment, and consequently economic stagnation.

Varoufakis offered his vision for an alternative to this structure, a sort of new Bretton Woods that would reflect the rejected vision of British economist, John Maynard Keynes at the conference. According to Varoufakis, global stability is undermined by capitalism’s innate tendency to create a wedge between surplus and deficit economies. Surplus and deficits become larger in periods of growth. However, when the “bubble bursts” into a recessionary period, the burden to rectify this pattern falls disproportionately on the deficit, decreasing global demand everywhere.

Porfessor seeks to modernize the proposal of Keynes to establish an international clearing union that acknowledges a world of variable exchange rates. Like Keynes’ model, all trade and capital flow would be denominated in some new unit and it would consist of two levies.  The first one, an automated process compiling all trade interactions where percentages are taken from all surplus and deficit countries proportionally and placed into a global equity green wealth account. 

The second mechanism would employ a sort of capital surge levy for cases in which capital has flowed but also been drained from rising economies.  This rapid flow typically results in a crash as the rush of capital creates an asset price inflationary period.  Real estate increases, imports explode, and access to loans proliferates.  When owners of this capital observe how their returns are not as high as expected, the capital flows out. Therefore, his proposed mechanisms would impose a levy on actors who are responsible for this sort of exploitation. The funds acquired from these two levies will then be directed towards prioritizing a green transition. These mechanisms should also ideally lessen trade and capital imbalances that inevitably lead to crisis.

Varoufakis ended his discussion on the quandary surrounding potential leaders for this new system.  He did assert, however that such a system would require tight cooperation between the United States, the EU and China. Though he expressed doubts on each entity’s ability to do so, claiming the US has effectively abandoned its leadership role in the world since 2008, trapped by its own constitutional limitations.  China faces its own domestic challenges concerning its human rights record and authoritarianism.

Finally, for Varoufakis the EU is incoherent and in a constant state of paralysis. The onus must fall on Western states, particularly the EU but also polities themselves to impose on their leaders and demand for international institutions that lessen crisis and capitalism’s tendency to create new ones while also tackling climate change.

In the group discussion with the UMEF students and other participants, professor called upon on the younger generation to question power however it manifests.  He cited the astronomical wealth of Jeff Bezos for example to underscore how these sorts of figures accrue immense wealth simply through the possession of existing wealth, demonstrating a system of power beyond the market.

The vision Adam Smith offered for the market would ensure a system where no one individual or entity monopolized power, allowing smaller and medium sized actors to thrive.  However, today the vast majority of capital and wealth belongs to a handful of companies, a sort of modern feudalism.  Moreover, these companies own the vast majority of existing media institutions and by default, the information provided to consumers.  Therefore, he re-affirmed the importance of thinking autonomously in a world characterized by this neo-feudalism. In regard to questions surrounding global populism and recent American elections, Varoufakis called for the overthrow of the ruling political class which has been corrupted by the semi-feudal financial elite and cannot be persuaded to reform.

Regarding Europe, professor asserts that the EU is not a genuine union, and functions more like a cartel since its inception. The project began as an economic community, but sought greater political legitimacy as it expanded, culminating in the founding treaty of the EU. However, he claims that this cartel possesses a hierarchical structure of appointed officials, which cannot be considered democratic, with a parliament that is unable to even pass legislation. The source of Europe’s problem for Varoufakis lies in its claim to enormous wealth misdirected and poorly invested.  Consequently, the current generation is condemned to precarious work and the impending impacts of climate change.  Such an arrangement is not inevitable however, if resources are directed towards a green transition which prioritizes more secure labor. The new generation must place pressure for such a transition with the older generation offering tools and a roadmap to effectively utilize this wealth.

Varoufakis ended the discussion by answering a question regarding the failure of communism to respond to capitalism.  He reminded listeners that moments of progress did not consolidate overnight, citing the French revolution’s and the Haitian revolution’s experience with various spouts of violence and counter-revolution for centuries.

Therefore, we must constantly re-imagine a new world order, as the current system increasingly threatens the liberal individual with the big tech industry pre-determining our tastes and interests.

His new book, Another Now: Dispatches from an Alternative Present,  addresses this question, seeking to create a more utopian world where we are free to choose our lifestyles and are free from fear of hunger, precarity, ill-health etc. This book, therefore, offers an alternative to the brutal form of feudalist capitalism we are experiencing today.

———————–

Former Finance Minister of Greece, Professor Ioannis Varoufakis answered the call of the Swiss UMEF University in Geneva on November 23, 2020, and gave this lecture under the auspices of the Geneva Lecture Series – Contemporary World of Geo-economics.

About the author:

Marie-Christine Ghreichi, graduate of Sciences Po, Paris and the US, is a French International Security specialist with a focus on Diplomacy and the Euro-MED.

From Nicaragua to the whole world

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From Nicaragua to the whole world

The Diplomatic world is full of generous women, smart and secure, who take the time and effort to guide other diplomatic spouses. Sherly A. Noguera de Argüello is one of them. Dedicated mother and supportive wife, highly accomplished diplomat herself, she is a leading figure promoting her country of origin, Nicaragua, to The Netherlands and to the whole world.

Coming all the way from another continent, Mrs. Noguera de Argüello dedicated her life to make this small country known and admired, putting it many times in the center of attention, through the events she organizes, with infinite intelligence and charm.

She remembers that her father, who was a passionate reader, and her mother, a culinary artist, were initially her mentors and inspiration. She wanted to learn more, and in many fields.

She completed courses in pastry and desserts, besides full graduate studies in commerce, banking, finances, communication and tourism business and Master degrees of Business Administration, Management Human Resources, Local Government and Administration from universities of Nicaragua, Mexico, Spain and Portugal. Before joining the Foreign Service, she worked in Managua in the financial field, then at the National Institute for Tourism, promoting Nicaragua in Latin America, Canada, and Europe. At one point in her life, she also established her own business in the food industry, following her old passion, and taught Tourism and Hospitality at the Universidad del Valle in Managua.

But working for her country, in the Foreign Service, was the start of a lifetime adventure, also a life of promoting and representing Nicaragua in many ways, including organizing top cultural and culinary events, well recognized and highly anticipated in The Hague.

From an administrative assistant to Cultural and Consular attaché, Consul general, Minister Counsellor and Doyenne of the Diplomatic Spouses Association in the Netherlands, she worked her way to the top with constant focus, determination, and endless passion.

After all, cultural diplomacy is nowadays worldwide accepted as one of the most effective and intelligent ways of country promotion. And many times it is done by the spouses, the supportive partners of career diplomats.

As most great personalities usually are, she is also a marvelous human being: a beautiful woman, always generous, modest, friendly, ready to help and get involved, with a soft spot for culture and tourism.

Sherly A. Noguera de Argüello devoted years to research on Nicaraguan cuisine and texts related to the traditional foods, and family recipes. She then adjusted old country recipes to more modern tasting, respecting also other cultures and introducing them to the world, in refined and well-studied events, where socializing and tasting were harmoniously intertwined, so as to leave the participants with a sublime memory of an unforgettable experience, and meanwhile to intrigue them and always make them more curious, more interested in the rich tradition of a country that many did not know before…

Sherly A. Noguera de Argüello Photographer Fer Legrel.

“Nicaragua had a magnificent ambassador, Rubén Darío.” She said, “Our distinguished poet, journalist and highest representative of literary modernism was also a true gourmet. He took our recipes to the various countries where he was accredited as a diplomat and with his pen and good taste he left a story that we remember today: The inescapable connection that he always maintained between literature, diplomacy and tasting!”

What are her future plans? … Time is always too short for all that she wants to achieve. She wishes to promote furthermore culinary art from her native country, through events available to all interested. She also plans to organize a Nicaraguan Culinary Exhibition in the Netherlands, with the help of her many Nicaraguan friends, as she sees ancestry traditional foods as a true Culinary Passport of her beloved Nicaragua to the whole world.

She is confident she will succeed with her projects, although now, because of the current situation, things are a bit slow and events are restricted.

But she has such enthusiasm for everything she does, such energy and amazing charisma, that it is impossible not to say: ‘I wish to visit Nicaragua, I want to find out more about this country and its people!’

That’s, after all, the very definition of a diplomatic job well done, of diplomatic goals well achieved. The diplomatic world certainly needs more human beings like her!

Panama, the country that Panamanians return to and foreigners fall in love with

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Panama, the country that Panamanians return to and foreigners fall in love with

By H.E. Ms. Elizabeth Ward Neiman, Ambassador of the Republic of Panama to the Kingdom of The Netherlands. 

My name is Elizabeth Ward Neiman.  After September 9th upon handing credentials, I became Panama´s third Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Initially I intended to write about the excellent bilateral relations Panama has with the Netherlands.  This of course would include the similarities such as each country´s strategic geographic location, the extensive service center, the globally known logistics network we have both enviably developed, the international airports that serve as hubs to our respective regions, amongst others.

However, after the initial intention dissolved into the decision to write about what is most meaningful when thinking of my country, I decided to write about Panama.

Panama, the country that Panamanians return to and foreigners fall in love with!

Very probably, the first thing that comes to the mind of most people when hearing of Panama is its century old engineering feat – the Panama Canal, followed by the expansion of the Canal that opened June of 2016 and both exceeded traffic expectations and reaffirmed its environmental leadership in the maritime industry.

Cargo ships at the entrance of Miraflores Locks. Panama Canal, Panama City, Panama, Central America. Photography by Promtour Panama.

In many ways it is the Canal that forged our country.  Started by the French and finished by the North Americans with workers primarily from Asia and the Caribbean islands, the origin of our multiculturality was marked.  Historically prevalent are the indigenous as well as the Spanish descendants that chose Panama to become the first settlement on the Pacific Coast of the Americas in 1519.  Each nationality brought and maintained its language, religion, gastronomy and traditions.  We learned to live with respect and in harmony embracing each other´s individuality combining the uniqueness into parts of a whole.

With the Caribbean Sea to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the south, Panama has 10 provinces and 5 indigenous territories in a total area of 75,400 km2 and approximately 4 million population. It is what you see and experience traveling from one border to the other when the journey begins! 

A commitment to the global environment has confirmed Panama`s determination to maintain the Darien jungle a natural lung for the planet.  Therefore, our eastern border is a lush tropical dense jungle housing uncountable species of flora and fauna with more discovered every year.  Close by is the Guna Yala indigenous territory, a must-see for anyone who visits Panama!  The Gunas are known for their colorful handwork called molas.  These are layered pieces of brilliant colored fabric intersewn to create spectacular designs representing the nature that surrounds them and the life they lead.  The pristine turquoise water surrounding the 365 islands, the fresh seafood and their hospitality are commented by any visitor.

Continuing towards the western border is the unexpected contrast of Panama City, and what a contrast it is!  More architecturally interesting skyrise buildings as well as variety of restaurants are found in Panama than anywhere in the region.  From here you can visit the Canal, the Biomuseo, go shopping, climb the Cerro Ancon or venture to Colón and go scuba diving in the Caribbean Sea in the morning, drive back and dive in the Pacific Ocean in the afternoon.  Fly or boat to Las Perlas islands, ferry to Taboga…or drive on towards the western border and continue discovering.

Cinta Costera, Coastal Beltway, Balboa avenue city skyline at night, Panama City, Panama, Central America. Photography courtesy of Promtour.

In the central provinces the continental divide mountain range creates a unique climate contrast in such a small territory.  Although it may be ¨summer¨ (dry season from December to April) on the Pacific side, it will be ¨winter¨ (rainy) on the Caribbean side.   The sounds of the beating tropical rain with the brilliant lightning display and the background rumble of thunder humbles anyone under the wonders of nature…and not enough time has gone by to get over the awe when you are sunbathing again!

Whether you venture inland to El Valle de Anton, the second largest inhabited volcanic crater in the world, or stay on the coastal path to enjoy the endless kilometers of sand beaches ranging in colors from bleached white to iron black, visit the El Cano desert and its archeological discoveries, or camp in the La Yeguada Forest Reserve you will experience the geographical and folkloric contrasts Panama is known for. 

Sunken ship at the reef in Kuna Yala. San Blas archipelago, Caribbean, Panama, Central America.

Whether you go northeast to Bocas del Toro or northwest to Chiriquí you are marveled by scenery along the way.  ¨Bocas¨ is laid back.  Time is of no essence as you surf, swim, walk, bike, or simply hang out.  In contrast, Chiriquí is known as ¨Little Switzerland¨ being the agricultural center, the highest mountain range, the coolest temperature, the most hospitable area in Panama.  Whether visiting Boquete, Volcan or Cerro Punta a required stop is a coffee plantation.  Many offer tours and sampling of the most expensive coffee in the world…the Geisha variety, truly sublime.

However, sublime not only describes our coffee, it describes the unparalleled exotic beauty in a territory of contrasts that is PANAMA.

Benjamin B. Ferencz receives Distinguished Honorary Fellowship of the International Criminal Court

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Benjamin B. Ferencz receives Distinguished Honorary Fellowship of the International Criminal Court

On 17 December 2020, Benjamin B. Ferencz was decorated with the title of ‘Distinguished Honorary Fellow of the ICC’ and his bust was unveiled to be housed permanently at the ICC’s premises ©ICC-CPI

On 17 December 2020, Mr Benjamin B. Ferencz, former Prosecutor at Nuremberg in charge of the historic Einsatzgruppen trial was decorated with the title of ‘Distinguished Honorary Fellow of the International Criminal Court’ (“ICC” or the “Court”), during an online event held with ICC Officials and Staff. At the event, a bust of Mr Ferencz was unveiled to be housed permanently at the Court’s premises as ICC Principals praised his extraordinary career and relentless commitment in the service of international criminal justice. 

Benjamin Ferenczpad- On a sunny day in May of 2019, a wooden bench overlooking the Peace Palace was officially presented to a small but distinguished audience. It was a present from Benjamin Ferencz, the last surviving prosecutor of the Nazi crimes to the city of The Hague. 

Speaking at the event, ICC President Judge Chile Eboe-Osuji stated that the honorary title was extended to Mr Ferencz as “a token of the Court’s appreciation for all he has done and what he has stood for as a beacon of light in the fight against impunity for atrocity crimes”. Referring to Mr Ferencz as “a living legend in the field of international criminal law” and an inspiration to many, President Eboe-Osuji said: “At over a 100 years old and counting, you have demonstrated what it means to have real commitment to the cause of international criminal justice and what can be achieved through the power of the individual with clarity of purpose and resolve. Through your advocacy and strength of conviction, fuelled by the horrors you had personally witnessed during the Second World War, you played a crucial role in the establishment of the International Criminal Court. You have since remained a robust defender of the institution appreciating its importance and enduring value to humanity and a more just world.”

In her congratulatory remarks, ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda referred to Mr Ferencz as one of her personal heroes and founding fathers of the ICC, stating that “in life, there are those who lead by their example; those whose contagious optimism and sense of purpose bring the seemingly impossible within reach; those who by their very passion defy the laws of nature and do not let age stand in the way of their destiny to do good in the world, where good and leadership are in dire need.  Today, we are in the esteemed company of that iconic trend setter and celebrate his life’s achievements in the pursuit of ‘Law, Not War.’”

In expressing his appreciation to the Court, Mr Ferencz stated: “The ICC, as the court of last resort in a state-dependent system of international justice, offers hope to many who have no hope that their voices will be heard – that they have not been forgotten, and that they are not alone.” He urged universal support for the Court: “protection of human rights demands deterrence of human wrongs, and all nations should strongly support the Court’s efforts in helping to end impunity for crimes of the gravest concern to all humankind.” “Now approaching my 102nd year, I have cherished the goals for which the ICC stands throughout my entire adult life and I give thanks for the torch-bearers who will carry the dream of a more humane world under the rule of law forward, lest we perish from the folly of our failure to do so”, he added.

M. Benjamin B. Ferencz and ICC Officials during the event held online on 17 December 2020 ©ICC-CPI

Mr Benjamin B. Ferencz was the Chief Prosecutor of the Einsatzgruppen trial at Nuremberg (1947), and is a life-long advocate for the establishment of the ICC, who has made major and pioneering contributions to international criminal justice (watch Mr Benjamin Ferencz’s video statement on the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the Rome Statute(click here)).

To date, the title of ‘Distinguished Honorary Fellow of the International Criminal Court’ has been bestowed upon Mr Ferencz, the King of Lesotho, His Majesty Letsie III, and the President of the Republic of Cabo Verde, H.E. Jorge Carlos de Almeida Fonseca, on the occasion of their visits to the Court.  

Lamberto Zannier becomes IFIMES’ new Director

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Lamberto Zannier becomes IFIMES’ new Director

IFIMES for the Euro-Mediterranean Diplomacy and Intercultural Affairs

LJUBLJANA/VIENNA, 5. January 2021 – Former Secretary-General of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Ambassador Lamberto Zannier, has become Director of Euro-Mediterranean Diplomacy and Intercultural Affairs (EDIA) at the International Institute for Middle East and Balkan Studies (IFIMES). He thus replaced Archduchess Camilla Habsburg-Lothringen, who held the same position in the period 2016-2020.

The directors of IFIMES, Dr. Zijad Bećirović and Bakhatyar Aljaf, emphasized that they were especially glad that the institute received reinforcement in the person of Ambassador Zannier, whose reputation, experience and enthusiasm will give new impetus to the work of IFIMES.

“We are highly honored that our esteemed colleague, Excellency Zannier, will be with us in the future. Only through the importance of cooperation of various actors in building a better society, while gathered in the idea of ​​a better tomorrow, we can understand and overcome many differences between us. This is the only way to solve problems and challenges. The fact that Ambassador Zannier served in the Balkans (2008-11), led the OSCE as its Secretary-General for two consecutive terms (2011-2017), and was the OSCE Commissioner for National Minorities (2017-2020) is of immense importance to our Istitute. It is difficult to find a more competent person anywhere in the world than Ambassador Lambert Zannier. Once again, we are so proud to have him in the leadership of the IFIMES Institute. “

Head of IFIMES Mission in Vienna, prof. Dr. Anis H. Bajrektarević underlined the importance of the Euro-Mediterranean theater, as a core region – a cradle of civilization, for the intercultural cooperation which is one of the key challenges of the modern world.

“The OSCE is the only organization whose pan-continental mechanism includes the so-called Mediterranean partnership. Thus, besides the UN, it is the only multilateral system that brings together Arabs and Israel. Therefore, I am convinced that our joint action will further strengthen IFIMES activities in the Euro-Mediterranean area, which is indispensable for Europe’s future.”

Melanie Huml becomes Minister of European Affairs in Bavaria

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Melanie Huml becomes Minister of European Affairs in Bavaria

Minister Melanie Huml and Premier Markus Söder – Picture by Bayerische Staatskanzlei.

Friday, 8 January 2020, Munich, Free State of Bavaria, Germany: Bavaria’s hitherto Minister of Health and Nursing, Melanie Huml, was appointed to become ‘Minister of State for European and International Affairs’ at the Bavarian State Chancellery, thus relieving Dr. Florian Herrmann of the latter portfolios. The appointment becomes valid as of Monday, 11 January 2020. 

Melanie Huml (née Beck, b. 9 September 1975) has been a deputy in the Bavarian Diet since 2003, and is a member of the state government since 2007. She is a trained physician, and a career politician member of the Christian Social Union. 

For further information 
https://www.melanie-huml.de

Ancient rock carvings of Gobustan in Azerbaijan

Diplomat Magazine
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Ancient rock carvings of Gobustan in Azerbaijan

“Land of Fire” – Azerbaijan is home for one of the oldest human settlements on the Earth – Gobustan.  

Gobustan – Rock art – photo by Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Gobustan is a mystic and ancient open-air museum, located in Absheron peninsula – about 55 kilometres from Azerbaijani capital city of Baku. Here you can find petroglyphs ranging from Mesolithic era up to the Late Middle Ages.

Gobustan has more than 6.000 rock drawings, settlements, burial mounds, formerly inhabited caves, megalithic structures and tombs.  They tell us about the lifestyle, occupation, religious beliefs and early art of ancient people, settled here more than thousands of years ago. Most of the petroglyphs depict people, domestic and wild animals, as well as battle scenes, ritual dances, bullfights, boats with men, hunting, fishing, solar symbols, etc.

Gobustan was discovered and later closely examined by archaeologists in 1930s.  Azerbaijani archaeologists found here remains of ancient flora of the world.

Bones of 40 species of animals that lived in the Pleistocene epoch (before the region even was populated by humans), including rhinoceros, wild horses, primitive oxen, deer, brown bears, cave hyenas, cave lions and cheetahs, porcupines, as well as many bones of 97 species of birds were also discovered here.

One of the most notable discoveries by archaeologists was Gavaldashi – musical stone and a symbol of Gobustan. It is believed that ancient humans performed rituals by producing sounds with this stone. The stone itself is 2 meters long and resonates a tambourine-like sound, when it is hit by smaller stones. This musical stone was also used for dancing Yalli, chain-dance which is also one of the national dances of Azerbaijan. Yalli is portrayed in rock carvings found in Gobustan. Many Azerbaijani musicians even nowadays use the hypnotic sound of “Gavaldashi” to create fascinating pieces of music. A notable example was the semi-final of 2012 Eurovision Song Contest held in Baku, Azerbaijan where Gavaldashi was played and dancers performed Yalli.

Gobustan – Petroglyphs. Photo by Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

It is interesting to note that Romans were also present in Gobustan. A rock found in Gobustan contains a Roman inscription, which proves the presence of a centurion of the 12th Roman legion, known as the Fulminat, (Lightning) here on the shore of the Caspian Sea during the reign of Emperor Titus Flavius Domitianus in the second half of the 1st century AD. Some historians assume that this may be the most eastern point any Roman patrol even ventured to.

There are many hypotheses regarding human settlements in Gobustan. Some researchers note similarities between these Gobustan images and petroglyphs found in East Africa. The well-known Norwegian traveller and scientist Thor Heyerdahl has other theory. He was fascinated by Gobustan rock carvings, which he visited several times in his life. On seeing the famous image of a multi-seat boat of the 6th millennium BC among the rock carvings of Gobustan, he became firmly convinced that, most likely, it was a reed vessel related to Sumerian ones. Therefore, people who lived in Gobustan could have contacts with the world’s oldest civilizations. Heyerdahl said: “What ancient and of course, advanced civilization was here still remains a mystery. But Azerbaijani scientists will be able to solve it.”

Due to the extraordinary value of this reserve, UNESCO inscribed Gobustan to the World Heritage List in 2007.

In 2011, a large modern museum was opened in Gobustan. It has become a must-see destination for all the tourists visiting Azerbaijan. This museum includes exhibitions about World Heritage sites, the history of the discovery of petroglyphs, ancient people living in the territory of Gobustan and its original flora and fauna. More than 100,000 items found by archaeologists during excavations are stored in repositories. These are tools and weapons, jewellery, charms, animal bones, plant seeds, etc.

In 2013, the Gobustan Museum became one of the winners of the European Museum of the Year Award (EMYA). Today, thanks to the rock paintings, discoveries made by archaeologists and palaeontologists in Gobustan, we have a glimpse of the lives of our distant ancestors and a chance to try to imagine their way of life and the world around them.

Yet, Gobustan still has more to offer. There are many things not yet discovered, deciphered or interpreted. One can only imagine how many more secrets and mysteries this chronicle of millennia contains.

Ambassador Ilyassov helms Kazakh mission to the UN

Diplomat Magazine
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Ambassador Ilyassov helms Kazakh mission to the UN

Ambassador of Kazakhstan, H.E. Magzhan Ilyassov.

26 October 2020, New York, United Nations: Magzhan Ilyassov was accredited before the United Nations secretariat. 

He had served as his country’s Ambassador to the Netherlands since 2016.  From 2013 to 2016, he was an adviser to the President of Kazakhstan, and from 2007 to 2016 he was Head of the Administration’s Foreign Policy Centre.

He has held a number of other positions since first entering Government service in 1996, including as an attaché with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ International Organizations and International Economic Relations Department.

Born in 1974, Permanent Representative Ilyassov holds a bachelor’s degree from the Kazakh State University of World Languages and International Relations and a master’s degree from the Kennedy School of Public Administration at Harvard University in the United States.

He is married and has three children.

For further information 
UN secretariat: https://www.un.org/press/en/2020/bio5327.doc.htm
Permanent Representation of Kazakhstan to the UN: http://www.kazakhstanun.org

Kuwait’s FM honoured

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Kuwait’s FM honoured

Wednesday, 6 January 2021, Kuwait City, State of Kuwait: His Highness The Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmed Al-Jabr Al-Mubarak Al Sabah conferred upon the country’s chief of diplomacy, HE Sheikh Dr. Ahmad Nasser Al-Muhammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, the Kuwait Medal of the First Class in appreciation of his distinguished efforts to serve the country.

Sheikh Dr. Ahmad has continued the policies of negotiation a reconciliation set forth by the country’s previous emir, Sheikh Sabah IV. It was in the latter spirit, and and his capacity as mediator that he announced to the world the re-opening of borders between Saudi Arabia and Qatar, and the eventual restoration of full diplomatic ties amongst Bahrain, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt vis-à-vis Qatar.

To final agreement was formalized at the GCC summit held at Al-Ula on 5 January, and attended by the first time in three years by Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. 

For further information: 
Kuwait Foreign Ministry: https://www.mofa.gov.kw/en/media-center/news/
Amiri Diwan: http://kwdlabs.com/news

Picture by Kuwait Foreign Ministry

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