Registration for the 12thInternational Ensemble and Composers Academy for Contemporary Music 202112th international impuls academy (coming along with the 7th impuls Festival) has started and invites composers, young ensembles and chamber music formations as well as – only for some specific special programs – sound and multimedia artists, performers, individual musicians, actors, dancers, instrument designers to join impuls 2021 in Graz, Austria (17.2. day of arrival – 1.3. day of departure).
Please note, that, unlike former editions, the Academy 2021 does not offer any instrumental classes for individual musicians.
An international team of renowned tutors will coach participants from all over the world, and offer various Special Programs beyond individual training. Daily group lectures, discussions, talks and other forms of discourse programs as well as daily Festival concerts and presentations (partly also of Academy participants) enrich the Academy offers.
By Vakhtang Makharoblishvili, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia.
Georgia marks the Independence Day – 102 years ago, on May 26, 1918, Georgia’s National Council established the First Democratic Republic. Although Georgia lost its independence as a result of Soviet occupation in 1921, the First Democratic Republic has remained a symbol of Georgia’s freedom, its values, as well as its pride. Modern Georgia is also a legal and political successor of the short-lived First Republic.
Over a century ago, Georgia started to build a state based on democracy, equality and individual freedoms. To build a free and democratic state, the country needed to succeed in two main directions – to liberate from Bolshevik Russia’s political influence and to develop effective democratic state institutions. These goals remain relevant today. Georgia has been consolidating its democratic institutions, developing its growing economy, asserting itself as a viable trade route between Europe and Asia, and, importantly, advancing its integration into the European and Euro-Atlantic institutions regardless the Russian efforts to derail Georgia’s independence.
Georgia’s geographic location has been an asset for the country’s economy – we are slowly becoming a regional hub for tourism, international business, logistics, education and innovation. Among the main roads connecting Europe to Asia, the road through Georgia is the most stable and secure and serves as an entry gate for the Central Asian landlocked countries to Europe. Georgia is an important knot for regional trade flows and has a unique geographic advantage for market integration with the rest of the world, including the European Union.
The country has written a remarkable story of transformation whereby Government has taken significant steps to deregulate the economy and streamline bureaucracy, thus, creating a favorable and welcoming business environment, as well as inclusive growth opportunities.
The global pandemic of COVID-19 has posed us a severe and unprecedented challenge. To contain, delay and mitigate the effects of COVID-19, the Government of Georgia started implementing the relevant measures at the earlier stage of the pandemic. Coordinated efforts were directed to three principle directions: healthcare, law and order, economy.
The effectiveness of the measures has translated into the relatively low COVID-19 numbers in the country. Georgia is one of the successful nations to duly address the global crisis and prevent large negative impact. The country has been praised for its effective coordination and communication. The Government has cushioned the economy with tax deferrals, allocation of funds, mobilizing international financial aid, etc. which has secured opportunities for swift economic revival. Apart from the policies and strategies, the Government has been transparent and open in its crisis management.
As a consequence of successful containment of the virus in Georgia, we will soon be able to open up to international tourism, which is one of the fast-growing industries of Georgian economy. Our country has received up to 9.4 million visitors in 2019, which is a 7.8% increase compared to the year before. Georgia has become a popular travel destination for Dutch tourists during past years that have been demonstrated in elevated number of travelers (18 204 visitors in 2018, while in 2019 – 22 908 visitors).
Fortunately, successful response to pandemic allows our country to open its tourism sector to both domestic and international travelers. Provision of domestic tourism services will begin on the 15th of June while the country will be ready to welcome its foreign tourists as of 1st of July through safe corridors and in strict pursuit of health and sanitary standards. The Georgian government rigorously adheres to the guidelines of the World Health and Tourism Organizations in its decisions to make travel to Georgia as safe as possible.
Even if Georgia has a lot to celebrate, we still have a part of the territory occupied by the Russian Federation. The country is divided by barbed wire fences erected by Russian FSB troops along the occupation line, we continue with our positive reform agenda and country’s democratic transformation. Throughout years, we have faced Russia’s constant violations of the EU-mediated 12 August 2008 Ceasefire Agreement, intensive military build-up in both Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia, while close to half a million of IDPs and refugees are deprived of the right to return to their homes in safety and dignity.
Those, who remain in the occupied territories, have become target of grave human right violations and ethnic discrimination. Despite Russia’s continuous provocations, the Georgian Government unwaveringly pursues the peaceful conflict resolution policy aimed at the de-occupation of its territories and reconciliation of people divided by the occupation line. Almost a century ago, the Russian Red Army invaded Georgia and disrupted its development for the following seventy years. However, after the fall of the Soviet regime, the country has become one of the most successful young democracies of the region. As an associated Partner of the European Union and a NATO aspirant country, Georgia is becoming another success story of democratic transformation and Western integration in Europe.
These achievements are rooted in the democratic aspirations of the people of Georgia who have come a long way to earn their independence, their freedom and their right to choose. This is why the Independence Day of Georgia is not just a day of remembrance of the past victory, it is most of all a day that celebrates the future of Georgia: free, democratic and united.
By H.E. Ms. Maria Teresa de Jesus Infante Caffi, Ambassador of Chile and Ms. Anna MarĂa Oduber, Charge d’affaires, Embassy of Costa Rica in The Netherlands.
As the COVID-19 epidemic continues worldwide, a call for action has been made to support an initiative for solidarity during these difficult times. On Friday, May 12, Costa Rica and Chile presented to the WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom the proposal of a call for action to all Member States in joining them in the creation of a global platform that will enable the sharing of technologies and information about the COVID-19 epidemic.
The platform, which will officially go into effect on May 29, envisages comprising technologies, vaccines, research, and other vital information that can aid nations in progressing in the fight against the COVID-19 virus. The call for action constitutes an appeal to all states, to the academic and health sectors, as well as to corporations, and civil society, to share any progress they are making in this ongoing struggle to further obtain worldwide success on the matter.
The President of Costa Rica, Carlos Alvarado Quesada, has stressed the need for solidarity in these uncertain times and highlighted the importance of sharing such vital knowledge. As he describes it, pandemics such as the one occurring today, hurt the most vulnerable portions of global society and put at risk much more than daily comfort. Solidarity between all countries will enable for better protection of these most at risk. Both Chile and Costa Rica have stressed the need to combat the COVID-19 epidemic together and supported the WHO’s stance on a united front.
Costa Rica’s flag.
As researchers and governments make progress and breakthroughs on treatments, and innovations concerning COVID-19, a public database will ensure that this information is available to those more in need and who may benefit the most in need without the risk of missing out. This will hopefully stimulate open access to information, free of charge that will help push forward the movement to end this pandemic and reduce human casualties. Where a lack of charge is not feasible, this call to action invites to stimulate views to agree on reasonable pricing for such information and innovations, while rendering them available in a timely manner for all those who require them. No heinous discriminations that affect public health and the ability to sustain the socio-economic development of our people can be sustained.
The call comes two weeks before the largest annual WHO event in which many other countries, such as the Netherlands, will also address the need for planned solidarity initiatives to promote a unified front against the COVID-19 virus.
This call for a combined front based on the principles of solidarity also draws on the third UN Global Sustainable Goal to “Support the research and development of vaccines and medicines for the communicable and non-communicable diseases that primarily affect developing countries… and, in particular, provide access to medicines for all.”
Chile Panamericana Road.
As president Alvarado said, “it’s an opportunity for humanity to show the best of what we are made of”. And as Chile said, when announcing the initiative, “in line with the ideas put at the forefront regarding climate change, it is time to enhance the ideals of multilateralism intensifying all levels of actions, be they national, regional or global, preventing and controlling pandemics, foreseeing the full realization of the highest mental and physical health standards that each person is entitled to.”
Chile and Costa Rica would like to associate themselves with other countries to be at the forefront of this call to action and to strengthen bonds as governments and societies, by sharing tools which will ultimately work to save lives.
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Main picture H.E. Ms. Maria Teresa de Jesus Infante Caffi, Ambassador of Chile in The Netherlands.
Deputy Chief of Mission Robin Quinville and Ambassador Grenell – Picture by State Department -US Embassy in Berlin.
Friday, 22 May 2020, Berlin, USA Embassy to Germany: Ambassador Richard Grenell, Acting Director of National Intelligence, and the embassy’s Deputy Chief of Mission, Robin Quinvile dedicated the new ‘Bush Plaza’ at Clayallee to former President George H. W. Bush senior.
Year 2020 marks the 30th anniversary of German reunification, which took place on 3 October 1990. President Bush Sr. was instrumental in the peaceful end to the Cold War as well as German reunification. The plaza’s naming showcases an important period of US diplomatic history, and thereby recognises President Bush’s significant contributions to a united Germany that is free and prosperous.
The embassy’s edifice on Clayallee is deemed as historic building, and served for a long time as the representation to West Berlin; a sign of US American ‘support for the divided city’s democratic future as part of the western alliance’ as per statement below. The building was occupied by US armed forces from 1 July 1945 until 12 July 1994. Subsequently, the building has served as a part of the U.S. diplomatic representation to Germany.
Bush Plaza, at edifice’s entrance is accessible to the general public.
In an online press conference organized by Diplomat Magazine, the Ambassadors of Italy, United States, Armenia, and China discussed their countries’ experiences in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic and reflected on the challenges lying ahead of the world community.
The COVID-19 pandemic is a global problem, and tackling it will necessarily require international solidarity and cooperation. This could be the major takeaway from the webinar “The COVID-19 pandemic: past, present, future”, organized by Diplomat Magazine on May 20th, 2020. The event’s keynote speakers were four Ambassadors accredited in the Netherlands: H.E. Mr. Andrea Perugini, Ambassador of Italy; H.E. Mr. Peter Hoekstra, Ambassador of the United States; H.E. Mr. Tigran Balayan, Ambassador of Armenia; and H.E. Dr. Xu Hong, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China. The Ambassadors were joined by a large group of journalists, both from the Netherlands, who fueled a lively Q&A session.
H.E. Mr. Peter Hoekstra, Ambassador of the United States, during COVID-19 press conference by Diplomat Magazine and the ambassadors of Italy, USA, Armenia and China. 20 May 2020.
The event was opened by Dr. Mayelinne De Lara, Diplomat Magazine’s Publisher, who underscored the importance of international solidarity in tackling the pandemic. “As we all know, 216 countries are now bravely fighting the outbreak of coronavirus. Lots of measures have been taken and important progresses have been made, although with different approaches in different countries. While the situation is still severe, we are confident that we can win the battle, as long as we stand in solidarity. The crisis reveals how dependent we are on each other; how connected and vulnerable we are. This crisis requires an international approach. International solidarity is more necessary than ever” – she said, before giving the floor to the other speakers.
The ambassador of Armenia, H.E. Mr. Tigran Balayan on the screen H.E. Dr. Xu Hong, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China.
In their remarks, some of the Ambassadors described the unprecedented challenges that their Embassies faced over the last few months in order to respond to the pandemic. For instance, the Ambassadors of Italy and Armenia recounted how their Embassies not only expanded a range of traditional activities, such as providing repatriation assistance to citizens and supporting international businesses, but also engaged in a set of new endeavors, such as procurement of medical equipment.
Beyond logistic issues, Ambassador Perugini explained how he also had to deal with important political matters, as he tried to convey the position of his government to the Dutch public, not only by personally engaging with the local press, but even by arranging an interview of the Italian Prime Minister with De Telegraaf.
Ambassador Perugini said: “This crisis is a symmetric crisis, it hits everybody in an equal way, the virus does not discriminate”
H.E. Dr. Xu Hong, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China.
Some Ambassadors also described more at large their countries’ reaction to the pandemic domestically. Ambassador Hoekstra, for instance, explained the US response. He stressed how the response has been aimed at preserving the health and safety of the citizens, while also attempting to minimize disruptions to everyday life and the economy.
The Ambassador took pride of his country’s differentiated approach across states, as well as of the values that have underpinned the US response. In particular, he underscored the importance of engaging in a free public debate on the policies adopted in the face of the crisis, and he praised the solidarity showed by the US government, as well as by the private and non-for-profit sectors.
Ambassador Hoekstra explained : “The number one priority is resolving the pandemic crisis, getting the right treatment and getting a vaccine in place. That is our number one priority, not only for the US, but for the entire world. We can’t fix this problem, the EU can’t fix this problem, it needs to be resolved on a collective basis”
The Ambassador of Italy, H.E. Mr Andrea Perugini.
The Ambassadors of China and Armenia also praised their government’s reactions. In particular, both of them highlighted the quality of a strict approach, based on testing and tracing the contacts of positive individuals, which has allowed the two countries to significantly contain the outbreak. They described how life is now slowly moving back towards normality, with Armenia easing its lockdown, and China having already reopened 90% of its factories. Yet, both Ambassador Xu and Ambassador Balayan warned, the return to normal life should take place with caution, in order to avoid any further outbreak of the virus.
Ambassador Xu said: “Because of the most comprehensive, thorough and rigorous prevention and control measures in history, after more than three months of arduous fight, China has effectively controlled the pandemic in the mainland.”
During the event, a major focus of the debate also concerned the economic policies adopted by the four countries in order to counter the negative economic impacts of the outbreak, especially for the neediest sectors of society. The Chinese Ambassadors explained how China reacted both domestically, by issuing vouchers to stimulate the economy, and internationally, by stepping up production to ensure adequate global supply of the much-needed medical equipment.
The Armenian Ambassador described some of his government’s financial assistance programs, which have targeted families and enterprises in need.
Ambassador Balayan explained: “Since the beginning of the state of Emergency and lockdown, the Government has adopted around 17 programmes aimed at financial assistance to families, and businesses. ”
Ambassador Hoekstra also took pride of his country’s response, highlighting how both Republicans and Democrats came together in Congress to set forth a stimulus package worth 2.2 trillion dollars. Italy too is seeking shield the most vulnerable segments of society – Ambassador Perugini explained, stressing however that the best way to respond to the pandemic’s economic shock is through engaging in coordinated policies at the European level.
Finally, the Ambassadors looked at the way ahead. Much of the debate focused on the race for developing a vaccine. The Chinese and US Ambassadors described the ongoing scientific efforts in this regard, and Ambassador Xu reiterated the pledge made by President Xi Jinping that if a vaccine will be developed in China, it will be made a global public good, ensuring accessibility and affordability for developing countries. While the Chinese Ambassador reiterated Beijing’s support for the leadership of the World Health Organization, Ambassador Hoekstra stressed that the WHO should improve its performance, and he called for an investigation into the root causes of the pandemic. In response, Ambassador Xu noted that Beijing is open to any scientific investigation into the virus, but it does not subscribe to calls for more political investigations on specific countries’ policy responses.
To end on a positive note, it should be stressed that – throughout the event – several instances of cooperation across borders emerged. All Ambassadors voiced their appreciation for the help received by the international community, and they sought to stress in turn their own governments’ commitment to help other countries. Beyond government-to-government cooperation, Ambassador Perugini also welcomed the grassroots moral support received by Italy, notably in the form of the many messages sent by individual Dutch citizens to the Italian Embassy. In the face of a virus that does not care about borders, this is exactly the kind of attitude that the whole world needs.
About the author:
Guido Lanfranchi is a student and young professional in the field of international affairs. He has pursued his studies both at Leiden University and Sciences Po Paris, where he is currently enrolled. In parallel, he has been gaining professional experience through internships (first at the Council of the European Union, and currently at Clingendael Institute), as well as by working as reporter and associate editor for Diplomat Magazine The Netherlands. His research and work focus on the Middle East and Africa, and especially on conflict situations in these regions.
Amid a souring in bilateral relations between the United States and China, Washington is stepping up its efforts to put pressure on Beijing by tightening the grip on China’s high-tech industry. The latest moves include the opening of a Taiwanese chip fabrication facility in Arizona, the establishment of the so-called “5G Clean Path Initiative”, as well as a tightening of the regulations preventing Huawei to source chips produced with US technology.
A new deal with a world-renowned Taiwanese chip producer, a diplomatic initiative aimed at cutting Chinese companies off the developing 5G global supply chains, and a blow to Huawei’s capacity to develop cutting-edge technological devices. These three actions are the latest measures adopted by the United States administration in its pressure campaign aimed at weakening China’s stance in the domain of technology.
These moves – which are part of a broader US strategy aimed at containing the perceived threats posed by China – were launched against the backdrop of the latest worsening in Sino-American relations, coming on the heel of the coronavirus outbreak. “The pandemic was born of the Chinese Communist Party’s three-pronged strategy of concealment, coercion, and cooption” – accused Keith Krach, Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment, adding that “countries and companies are awakening to the danger” posed by China’s actions.
The first accomplishment announced by US officials concerns the opening of a new chip fabrication facility by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, a leading chip producer, in Arizona. Ian Steff, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Global Markets, welcomed TSMC’s 12 billion investment, which he claimed will support “over 1,600 high-paying manufacturing jobs and thousands of additional jobs in the semiconductor supply chain”. Mr. Steff defined semiconductors’ production as a sector of “strategic national importance” and stressed that “the trend of offshoring critical manufacturing capacity in this sector must change now”.
The second initiative launched by the US is the “5G Clean Path initiative”, which aims at ensuring that “all 5G data entering or exiting US diplomatic facilities transit only through trusted equipment” – Under Secretary Krach explained, calling on US allies to join the initiative. This move would exclude Chinese vendors, such as Huawei and ZTE, which the US administration sees as untrusted.
The third leg of the US push focuses instead on tightening the Foreign Direct Product Rule, in an effort to “prevent Huawei from suing US equipment against US interests” – Acting Under Secretary of Commerce Codell Hull said. Under the new regulations, licensing requirements will be imposed “on items destined for Huawei that are produced on US-origin design or manufacturing tools” – explained Dr. Christopher Ford, Assistant Secretary of State for International Security and Nonproliferation, who accused Huawei of being complicit in the development of an “authoritarian police state” in China.
In the face of these moves by the US administration, China is currently weighing in its response. In particular, Beijing is reportedly considering imposing restrictions on major US tech companies, such as Apple, CISCO, and Qualcomm. The suspension of Chinese airplanes purchases from Boeing could also be a form of retaliation – Reuters reported, quoting a report by China’s Global Times.
About the author:
Guido Lanfranchi is a student and young professional in the field of international affairs. He has pursued his studies both at Leiden University and Sciences Po Paris, where he is currently enrolled. In parallel, he has been gaining professional experience through internships (first at the Council of the European Union, and currently at Clingendael Institute), as well as by working as reporter and associate editor for Diplomat Magazine The Netherlands. His research and work focus on the Middle East and Africa, and especially on conflict situations in these regions.
The Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba, H.E. Ms. Soraya Alvarez Nunez.
Strengthening of the United States blockade against Cuba with remarkable extraterritorial effects in the context of the Covid-19 outbreak
The Hague, 20 May 2020 – The Embassy of the Republic of Cuba in the Kingdom of the Netherlands updates to the public, all interested institutions and friends about the strengthening of the application of the economic, financial and commercial blockade by the US government, with remarkable extraterritorial effects, against the Caribbean Island in the current circumstances of global health emergency of the Covid-19 outbreak.
This economic, commercial, and financial blockade is the most unfair, severe, and prolonged system for more than 60 years of unilateral and illegal sanctions ever applied against any country and it has continued to be the central pivot of US government policy towards Cuba. No citizen or sector of the economy escapes the negative effects of this genocidal policy.
The latest examples of the application of the blockade measures against Cuba have been imposed in the current situation should be evaluated in the context of the last two years US government hostility policy about the Caribbean Island which includes additional obstacles to foreign trade, cooperation, and the increasing of extraterritorial persecution of Cuba’s banking-financial relations with the rest of the world.
The implementation of defamatory and slanders campaigns, the enforcement of the unconventional war measures, in particular, to impede the supply of fuel to the country with persecution to the companies, entities, and countries that intervene in this process.
Likewise, the US government has systematically lied and falsified on of the data on alleged licenses for operations of sales of medicines and food to Cuba, which are subjected to a complex, bureaucratically process, and deliberately it has been omitted the conditions imposed on Cuban purchases, that ignore any established rule of international trade and in practice prevent to realize it. These are some facts present in the existing scenario.
The current world sanitarian situation has generated an additional international demand from different actors, among them, governments, leaders and civil society that calls to put an end the blockade against Cuba and others sanctions regimes to countries. This has found deaf ears in the US government, which on the contrary has tried to confuse international opinion with alleged flexibilities to the sanctions regimes.
The allusions to humanitarian exceptions or relaxation on the blockade measures imposed by the US government on Cuba, for the “Provision of humanitarian assistance and trade to combat the COVID-19” are false. The Cuban government has publicly denounced it and has sufficiently documented with facts that the statements of US government officials are misleading and that they lie by insisting on the non-existing of restrictions on medical exports to Cuba due to the application of the blockade.
There are recent examples that show that the US blockade against Cuba has hindered, threatened, coerced, and prevented the normal acquisition by Cuba, through purchase or donation, of the medical supplies necessary to attend the health emergency caused by COVID-19.
Among these examples you can find the following:
The Chinese electronic giant Alibaba last March offered to health institutions in Cuba donations of medical supplies, such as masks, respiratory fans, and tests to detect the coronavirus and the US government frustrated it, with the threat to impose sanctions.
The Cuban medical company MEDICUBA informed last April that the company was unable to receive contracted pulmonary ventilators because manufactures IMT MEDICAL AG and ACUTRONIC had been acquired by Vyaire Medical Inc., a company based in Illinois, USA, which was informed that the blockade prevents sales to Cuba and therefore the company suspended the contracted sales.
The Swiss-Cuban Association and MediCuba-Switzerland reported last April that the banks had blocked the transfers of the donated funds that they had made to support the emergency aid project in Cuba to face the Covid-19 outbreak.
There also to turn out that the US government has continued to allocate funds to attack the medical assistance that Cuba offers to countries in need, a tradition of solidarity and humanism policy that the Cuban Revolution has developed for more than 56 years in more than 164 countries. In these harsh circumstances, Cuba has continued to extend its aid to nations required support in the confrontation of the COVID-19. More than 20 Cuban medical brigades are contributing now to save lives around the World.Â
It should also be mentioned due to its seriousness that Cuba is still waiting for the results of the investigation and measures on a grave terrorist attack committed against the Embassy of the Republic of Cuba in Washington last 30 April perpetrated by a man who used a semi-automatic assault rifle and shot 32 rounds against the Embassy. The US State Department and government chose to silence on this. The attack cannot be seen as a separate issue, but rather as a direct consequence of the aggressive policy, the hate speech and the permanent instigation to violence by US politicians against Cuba.
Times of justice, cooperation, solidarity, and respect to international law are much needed than ever before.Â
The COVID-19 outbreak has impacted families, livelihoods and businesses around the world.
We are confident of both our current steps to ensure business continuity throughout the COVID-19 outbreak, and also of our future once the current pandemic recedes. We can all recall recent challenges Qatar and the Qatar Financial Centre
 (QFC) have faced and overcome where we have emerged stronger than before. Today, again, we all face an impact on our operations, but nevertheless are convinced of our platform’s and our country’s ability to not only weather but navigate the current storm successfully.
“While Qatar will of course witness the impacts of COVID-19, we have faith in the resilient Qatari economy which is well-equipped to navigate turbulent conditions and withstand challenges, as well as the QFC platform where firms are continuing to turn to us to expand their business in Qatar. In fact, we are very quickly approaching our 1,000 firm milestone which is nearly two years ahead of the target date.
Sheikha Alanoud bint Hamad AL THANI, Managing Director of Business Development – QFC
