In the picture ICC President Judge Chile Eboe-Osuji.
The Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Court (ICC) will deliver the judgment in the appeals of the Prosecutor against Pre-Trial Chamber II’s “Decision Pursuant to Article 15 of the Rome Statute on the Authorisation of an Investigation into the Situation in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan” in open court on Thursday 5 March 2020 at 10:00 (The Hague time).
Saturday, 22 February 2020, Milano, Italy: Bottega Veneta‘s Creative Director Daniel Lee presented the fall 2020 collection to a boisterous audience in the Italian capital of fashion.
The collection and the show focused on pure fashion featuring Western-tinged, square-toed boots and ’90s-influenced minimal suiting, in addition to sequined dresses, structured coats, and purses dripping in super-long fringe that create a modern and daring outfit.Â
For further information:Â
https://www.bottegaveneta.com/de
Dr. Florian Herrman & Elorza Zubiria – Picture by Bayerische Staatskanzlei.
Friday, 21 February 2020, Munich, Free State of Bavaria, Germany: Minister of State, Dr. Florian Herrmann, Head of Chancellery and Minister for Federal and European Affairs and Media, received the Secretary General for External Affairs of the Autonomous Community of the Basque Country (Euskadi), Elorza Zubiria, for a bilateral meeting in the premises of the State Chancellery.
Zubiria heads the General Secretariat for External Action attached to the Presidency of the Basque Autonomous Government -Lehendakaritza, since December 2012. She is fluent Euskera, Spanish, French, English and has basic knowledge of Italian.
In the framework of Spain’s constitution the autonomous communities are able to conduct certain external affairs directly vis-Ă -vis other state entities, and as regions of the European Union.
For further information:Â
Bavarian State Government:Â https://www.bayern.de/service/fotoreihen/?frid=in132406&fbclid=IwAR0wUNEqsj3qp1ZD4DH92LgiI-TG9JXkYDjkvxDNyepg4FW06BtqTw68TXM
Secretary General Zubiria: https://www.irekia.euskadi.eus/uploads/attachments/9612/elorza_zubiria_mariaangeles_es.pdf?1495535978
Embassy of the Kingdom of Spain to Germany – H.E. Ambassador Ricardo MartĂnez Vázquez: http://www.exteriores.gob.es/Portal/es/SalaDePrensa/Nombramientos/Paginas/Articulos/20180924_NOMBRAMIENTO1.aspx
By Guido Lanfranchi.
On February 19th, 2020, the United States administration has imposed financial sanctions on Rosneft Trading S.A. – a company accused by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin of brokering “global oil deals involving the sale and transport of Venezuelan crude to provide a lifeline to the illegitimate Maduro regime”. The company targeted by the new sanctions is a subsidiary of the Russian global energy giant Rosneft Oil Company, which had already been sanctioned by the US administration in 2014.
Discussing the new listing with the press, US Special Representative for Venezuela Elliot Abrams stressed that the sanctions on Rosneft Trading S.A. – which come in the wake of another round of sanctions targeting the Venezuelan state-owned airline – are only a first step. “There will be other steps; there will be other targets; there will be more sanctions” – he said, announcing that the administration will attempt to persuade major consumers of Venezuelan oil, especially Asian countries, to reduce their imports from the Latin American country.
Mr. Abrams declared that the aim of the sanctions is to “force the Maduro regime into a negotiation for a presidential election” – an outcome that the US administration sees as the optimal way out of the current crisis.
The Special Representative highlighted that “the United States remains firmly committed to the people of Venezuela and to the cause of freedom there”, and that this cause enjoyed bipartisan support in Congress, where Republicans and Democrats alike back Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó.
In response to the case recently filed by Venezuela before the International Criminal Court concerning the impact of US sanctions, Mr. Abrams rejected the accusation of crimes against humanity as “absurd”, noting in turn how “a number of Latin American countries have brought the Maduro regime before the ICC”.
In the wake of the imposition of sanctions, Rosneft accused the US administration of selectivity, highlighting that licenses to operate in Venezuela had been granted to US-friendly companies, such as Chevron. Questioned on this issue, Mr. Abrams declined to give specific information on future US sanctions. However, he announced that the administration will engage in conversations with “all the affected parties”, including US companies, although those conversation will remain private until further decisions will be reached.
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 Embassy of the Republic of Albania to The Netherlands is organizing a great fundraising concert on 28 February 2020, to support theÂ
reconstruction of the National Museum “House of Leaves” in Tirana.
This new museum, which stands for the protection of human rights, is
damaged by the strong earthquake of 26 November 2019.
Concert on Friday, 28 February 2020, from 19.00 at the Keizersgracht Kerk in Amsterdam.
Renowned Albanian, Italian, Romanian, Belgian and Mexican artists will present an extraordinary musical repertoire as a sign of their solidarity.
The National Museum of Surveillance Service, otherwise known as “House of Leaves”, received “Museum of Europe Award 2020” from the Council of Europe. It displays artifacts and stories from a pivotal historical period in Albania, and it carries an important legacy linked to the abuses of human rights during that period.
This concert is organized in cooperation with the Embassy of Italy toÂ
the Netherlands and Dutch – Albanian Foundation.
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How to Donate
If you would like to attend, please register by filling the form here: https://forms.gle/6EqxPcmxALfndR8U7
If you would like to support the restoration of the “House of Leaves” museum, you can donate through the account of the Dutch Albanian Foundation (Stichting Nederlands-Albanees Vriendschapsverband): IBAN: NL74 INGB 0008 5061 70 | Name: STICHTING NEDERLANDS-ALB Payment description: MUSEUM TIRANA
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Embassy of Albania
H.E. Ms. Soraya Alvarez Núñez, Ambassador of Cuba.
By Roy Lie Tjam.
The Hague, 31 January 2020. The Embassy of the Republic of Cuba in The Hague celebrated the Republic of Cuba’s National Day on the occasion of the 61st Anniversary of the Triumph of the Cuban Revolution. The Revolution’s day is officially celebrated on the 1st of January every year, in memory of the arrival of Cuban leader Fidel Castro to La Habana at New Year’s Eve in 1951.
The Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to The Netherlands, H.E. Ms. Soraya Alvarez Núñez, and her husband, Ing. Eduardo Morales, received congratulations and warm messages of support from the hundreds of guests who came from The Hague, Amsterdam, and Brussels to attend Cuba’s popular annual celebration.
Among the hundreds of attendees, there were heads of international and European organizations, members of parliament, international judges, academics, Dutch civil servants, diplomats, and countless friends of Cuba from the Dutch civil society.
Among the many ambassadors and Heads of Mission attending the event, one could find the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, the Apostolic Nuncio, and the ambassadors of China, Germany, Austria, Thailand, Palestine, Yemen, Guatemala, Angola, Ghana, Venezuela, Romania, Iran, Bosnia & Herzegovina, El Salvador, Belarus, Uganda, Chile, Viet Nam, Algeria, Ecuador, Thailand, Uruguay, Serbia, Pakistan, Indonesia, GRULAC members, as well as the Director General of the OPCW, the Chief of Mission of the IOM and several other prominent members of the diplomatic corps.
In her welcome remarks, after thanking the audience for accepting the invitation, Ambassador Alvarez Núñez enumerated the successes and hurdles that her beloved country, Cuba, faced during the course of 2019. A resume of what she said in her speech follows.
“The President of the Republic of Cuba, Miguel DĂaz-Canel, in his speech last December 19th at the National Assembly of People’s Power, pointed out that 2019, for Cuba, has been hard and challenging, full of defies and aggressions – although never as much as during the years that followed the triumph of the Cuban Revolution, when the siege was accompanied even by an invasion and isolation plans of Cuba throughout the hemisphere. Those challenges were defeated and overwhelmed, creating a history that makes us proud.”
“When talking about challenges and obstacles” – the Ambassador specified – “the economic, commercial and financial blockade of the United States is the main one. In 2019, this implied the imposition of at least a unilateral coercive measure per week, with noticeable extraterritorial effects, such as: the cancellation, restriction or prohibition of arrivals of cruises and flights; limitations on remittances; the persecution of financial transactions and suppliers of fuel and other essential raw materials.”
“There is no project or action taken by the Cuban government that escapes to slander or gross lies” – H.E. Ms. Núñez continued, condemning “the injurious campaign against the medical collaboration that Cuba offers to other countries”. “It is immoral and unacceptable to question the dignity, professionalism and altruism of the more than 400,000 health workers who, in 56 years, have completed missions in 164 nations” – she noted.
The Ambassador went on to condemn the economic war imposed on her country. “A gross violation of the human rights of the Cuban people is the economic war unleashed during 2019, which is unfairly imposed to us for defending our sovereignty and exercising the right to self-determination. Cuba deeply appreciates all the sovereign governments and businessmen, friends in the world, who have given us their solidarity and selfless support that has allowed us to face and resist this unconventional war.”
“The heritage of our National Hero, JosĂ© MartĂ, as well as the legacy of Commander in Chief Fidel Castro, which goes beyond his physical presence, continue to guide the current generations of Cubans to stay working optimistically to achieve their development goals, in building a fairer, prosperous and sustainable society” – Ms. Núñez continued, also highlighting her country’s achievements during the past year.
“The year 2019 was also a very positive year for Cuba. For instance, 2019 witnessed the promulgation of a new Constitution, adopted after a broad popular referendum, which included its citizens residing abroad, in order to improve the institutionalization of the country and the strengthening of socialist democracy, as well as progress in the computerization of society, with greater access of the population to 3G and 4G technologies and positive steps towards the implementation of electronic government throughout the country.”
Moreover, the Ambassador also praised “the discreet behavior and growth of the Cuban economy, which is inserted in the trends of the region. The truly exceptional thing is that Cuba has not fallen under the pressure of the terrible measures described, the financial persecution and the impact of adverse meteorological phenomena.” Listing other advances made by Cuba in 2019, Ms. Núñez mentioned “the notable increase of up to three times, on average, of the salary of workers in the budgeted sector”, as well as “the successful celebration of the 500th anniversary of the foundation of Havana, capital of the country.”
“The year 2019 has also been a positive and intense year in the results achieved by Cuban foreign policy” – the Ambassador continued. “We can highlight for instance the links with the European Union and its Member States in different spheres, including the commercial economic, investment, and cooperation ones.”
Finally, Ms. Núñez dwelled on the bilateral relations between Cuba and the Netherlands. “It is a timely opportunity to recognize the good state of bilateral relations between Cuba and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, which ratified last November the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement between the Republic of Cuba and the European Union, as well as its sustained and historic support to the resolution of the United Nations General Assembly, which condemns and calls to put end of the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed on my country.”
Moreover, the Ambassador noted, “during 2020, we will have the honor of celebrating the 118th anniversary of uninterrupted diplomatic relations between Cuba and the Kingdom of the Netherlands.”
After the impressive welcome speech given by Ambassador Alvarez Nunez, attentively followed by all guests, the Cuban embassy provided a tasty Cuban cuisine buffet, prepared by the Cuban chef, Lester Fernandez Chapotin. His “ropa vieja” and “dulce de coco” were among the most popular dishes of the night.
Throughout the event, the guests enjoyed Cuban beverages (mojito), excellent cigars, and the music of Proyecto Musical, under the leadership of Jorge Martinez Galan, Trio Salsa de Pichon, from Cuba.
The traditional two-hours reception became a four-hours celebration, full of meaningful discussions among the Cuban embassy team and their hundreds of friends and international supporters.
On the whole, the event was a dazzling anniversary for the Glorious Cuban Revolution.
In collaboration with Diplomat Magazine & Diplomatic Card.
Clemens Unterreiner, Maria GroĂźbauer, Dominique Meyer, Nadja Swarovski – © Wiener Staatsoper GmbH, Michael Pöhn.
Thursday, 20 February 2020, Vienna, Austria: The Opera Ball at the Vienna State Opera was held once more in a dignified manner that makes it one of the most pulchritudinous balls worldwide. Again in partnership with Swarovski, which presented sparkling tiaras designed by Christian Lacroix for the Opera Ball 2020 upon Swarovski’s behest.
Since the 1950s, Swarovski has brought brilliance to the ballroom at the Vienna Opera Ball, and has worked with design giants such as Karl Lagerfeld, Dolce&Gabbana andVersace in recent years.
The ball tradition is traced back to soirĂ©es, and dances held in Vienna during the namesake Congress that redrew the continent’s borders after the Napoleonic wars.
Austria’s President Alexander van der Bellen, Chancellery Minister for the European Union and the Constitution, Karoline Edtstadler, the Minister of Finance, Gernot BlĂĽmel, Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg partook at the event.
A highlight for the 64th edition of the ball was an unexpected gesture by Chairperson Nadja Swarovski, who surprised Director Maria GroĂźbauer live on ORF TV by presenting her with the four Swarovski tiaras from her years as organizer and creative director (that is those designed by Karl Lagerfeld in 2017, by Dolce & Gabanna in 2018, by Donatella Versace in 2019, by Christian Lacroix in 2020). Swarovski was likewise represented therein by the Senior Vice President for Branding and Communications, Birgit Berthold-Kremser.
For further information:
https://www2.wiener-staatsoper.at/fileadmin/Presse/Opernball_2020/WienerOpernball_2020_en.pdf
Swarovski Tiara for the Wiener Ball: https://www.facebook.com/DACH.Swarovski/videos/2239067603053784/
Monday, 17 February 2020, Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, Germany: Philippines’ Ambassador H.E. MS. Maria Theresa Dizon-de Vega met with the Hamburg Government’s External Relations Chief and Plenipotentiary to the German Federation, State Secretary Almut Möller as well as the Director General for International Affairs, Corinna Nienstedt at Hamburg City Hall.
Ambassador Dizon-de Vega conveyed the Embassy’s appreciation for the welcoming and inclusive atmosphere provided by the people and government of Hamburg to over a thousand Filipinos living in the city-state, as well as to the thousands of Filipino seafarers working on international vessels calling at its port, the second busiest after Rotterdam in the Netherlands.
State Secretary Möller welcomed the Philippine Embassy’s initiative of meeting with city-state officials and assured the Ambassador of the Hamburg Government’s support for efforts to broaden cooperation. She said that as a trading city, Hamburg has always actively sought and will continue to seek external partnerships.
The State Secretary expressed particular interest in the fields of innovation and new technology in the Philippines. The Ambassador, for her part, apprised the Hamburg officials of positive developments in the Philippines, such as the newly-enacted Start-ups Law and the country’s steady rise in the Global Innovation Index as well as the Embassy’s already active engagement with the city-state’s business sector.
Hamburg is home to Germany’s largest port and is considered as the country’s gateway to the world. European aircraft company Airbus also has a manufacturing facility in the city-state, which is the primary supplier of single-aisle passenger aircraft used by Philippine carriers.
The two sides are also looking into a possible Embassy participation in Hamburg’s major cultural events and similar activities. Ambassador Dizon-De Vega also discussed possible Philippine participation Hamburg’s Gender and Diversity programs as well as in efforts to enhance economic enhancement.
For further information:
Embassy of the Philippines to Germany:Â http://www.philippine-embassy.de
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Picture by Hamburg SenatskanzleiÂ
In the picture Mr. Antonio Polosa, IOM Chief of Mission.
By Roy Lie Atjam.
The Hague, on 13 February 2020, the International Organization for Migration (1951) the number one intergovernmental organization focusing on the welfare of migrants, held her annual reception. Guests from the Netherlands and beyond came to join the festive event.
The IOM Chief of Mission, Mr Antonio Polosa, cordially welcome his guest coming from different parts of The Netherlands and Belgium, and thank them for joining him in this annual event.
As expected Mr. Antonio Polosa, Chief of Mission at IOM Netherlands, presented his introductory remarks at the organization’s New Year’s Reception. A resume of Chief of Mission Mr Antonio Polosa follows.
“The theme of last International Migrants Day in December 2019 was Social Cohesion. We therefore chose to focus on this topic for this year’s New Year’s reception, in recognition not just of migrant’s role and contribution but also of the communities they form part of, in which they can and do flourish.
When speaking of migration, frequently, the debate falls into whether it is a good or a bad thing, focusing on the timely costs and precise contribution migrants make to our lives.
But to view migration as an accounting practice is to reduce it to a fraction of its whole. Migration is an evolving – often challenging – yet an integral part of our societies, enriching those in multiple, intangible as well as intangible ways.” explained Polosa.
“Far too often, we forget that migration and migrants are quietly already inherent part of our lives, their contributions woven into our daily interactions. “
The communities that thrive are those that embrace change and adjust to it. But communities cannot adapt alone. They need active and long term support from different stakeholders (such as governments, local authorities, civil society in the broader sense, and international organization such as IOM) whom may differ in modalities of approach and tools but not in the ultimate view of a well-managed migration positive influence in society.
Now, when looking back at 2019, we can say that our operational support to migrants has grown increasingly demanding. For example, our colleagues at the Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration program are faced with complex health needs of our beneficiaries.
With this program we’ve assisted over 3000 beneficiaries in 2019. This number has only been achieved 7 other times since 1992, when IOM started the programme.
Besides the assistance to those returning migrants in different legal and /or vulnerable status, IOM’s The Netherland has also provided transport and other type of assistance to arrivals to the Netherlands and many more migrants/refuges transits via Schiphol Airport to destinations beyond NL by our Airport Unit. Overall almost 7000 people during last year.
For 2020 we envision increased responsibilities towards the fields of diaspora engagement and integration.”
As a concrete example of how migrants can contribute to social cohesion, IOM have invited as second speaker Dr. Niloufar Rahim, chair of the Afghan diaspora foundation KEIHAN who delivered an excellent expose.
Ms Niloufar Rahim came to the Netherlands with her family and studied medicine. Dr Rahim worked at Kabul University as a clinical skills trainer for Medical students.
In a broader cultural context, a 3-course buffet: Georgian, Italian and Thai concluded the fantastic evening.
19 February 2020, Washington D.C., USA: President Donald Trump announced the appointment of his Ambassador to Germany, Richard Grenell as ‘Acting Director of National Intelligence’.Â
Grenell was confirmed to his incumbent role as Ambassador by the Senate in April 2018. In October 2019, he was further named ‘Special Envoy for Serbia-Kosovo Negotiations’. Swiftly he delivered on the latter position by negotiating the very first flight and train line is to be re-establish between Belgrade and Prishtina. Once implemented, the agreement would allow for the first direct air travel between the two countries since 1998.
A native of Michigan but previously California-based, Ambassador Grenell holds extensive senior policy and communications advisory experience for public officials at international, US federal, state and local levels as well as being for a partner in a Fortune 500 ranked company, that being Capital Media Partners.
In fact, Grenell served as the longest in duty U.S. spokesman and political appointee at the U.S. Mission to the United Nations in history between 2001 and 2008.Â
As Acting Director Grenell becomes a member of Trump’s cabinet, advises upon the latter’s behest on issues of national security and coordinates all foreign and national intelligence programmes.
For further information:
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/statement-press-secretary-113/?fbclid=IwAR3j_TbmMUVZBSfb05DNoHFPobE-JkPhi2uecBu7lQSuS8sisoVh62nwtsM
