4thMeeting of Parliamentary Speakers of Eurasia’s Countries set to begin in Nur-Sultan

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4thMeeting of Parliamentary Speakers of Eurasia’s Countries set to begin in Nur-Sultan

In September 23rd-24th, 2019, Kazakhstan will host the 4thMeeting of Speakers of Parliaments of the Countries of Eurasia. Politicians and diplomats from all over the Eurasian landmass will gather in Nur-Sultan to discuss the theme: “Greater Eurasia: Dialogue. Trust. Partnership”.

From Spain and France in the West, to Japan and Indonesia in the East; from India and Oman in the South, to the Russian Federation in the North. This is the geographic scope of the 4thMeeting of Speakers of Parliaments of the Countries of Eurasia, set to take place in Kazakhstan’s capital Nur-Sultan on September 23rd-24th, 2019. As of now, parliamentary delegations from 59 countries and 12 international and inter-parliamentary organizations have officially confirmed their participation to the forum, which is expected to be very large. 

During the 2015 United Nations General Assembly, former Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev had called for greater coordination across the Eurasian landmass. “The time has come to rally around the idea of a Greater Eurasia that will unite Eurasian Economic Union, Silk Road Economic Belt, European Union in a single integration project of the XXI century” – he had said, referring to the three major economic integration projects developed in the area. Four years later, after three meetings in Moscow (2016), Seoul (2017), and Antalya (2018), the Meeting of Parliamentary Speakers is set to arrive in Kazakhstan, which organizes the event in cooperation with Russia’s State Duma and South Korea’s National Assembly.

Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan.

This year’s theme will be “Greater Eurasia: Dialogue. Trust. Partnership”. Under this banner, delegates and participants to the Meeting will be invited to “discuss and build shared visions and ways to ensure sustainable development of the Eurasian space” – the event’s website explains.

The delegations are set to arrive in Nur-Sultan on September 22nd, when they will be welcomed at the Astana Opera and Ballet Theater to attend the ballet exhibitions “Scheherazade” and “Chopeniana”. The morning of September 23rdwill also be dedicated to cultural events, with scheduled visits to Nur-Sultan’s museums and monuments. After culture, politics will take the main stage, with delegates set to hold bilateral meetings and to work on the Meeting’s Outcome Document. The day will be concluded with an official reception, to be held at the Palace “Saltanat Saraiy”, on behalf of the Chairman of the Mazhilis of Kazakhstan’s Parliament Nurlan Nigmatulin.

The following day will be dedicated to the Meeting itself, which will officially begin at 10:00 in the Congress Hall of Nur-Sultan’s Palace of Independence. The Meeting will be divided in three plenary sessions, separated by coffee and lunch breaks. Around 19:00, delegates will adopt the Final Document, conclude the Meeting, and hold a press briefing to explain the outcome of the discussions. That night, the Ballroom of the Ritz Carlton hotel will finally host a reception in honor of the participants to the Meeting, who will then leave the country. 

Diplomat Magazine is attending the event in coordination with the Embassy of Kazakhstan in The Hague.

Vietnam Celebrates 74thNational Day

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Vietnam Celebrates 74thNational Day

H.E. Mrs. Ngo Thi Hoa, Ambassador of Viet Nam with guests during the Viet Nam 74th National Day.

By Catherine Dailey.

On Thursday, September 5, Her Excellency, Ambassador Ngo Thi Hoa, welcomed many distinguished international guests to a festive outdoor reception, held on the embassy’s grounds, in celebration of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam’s 74th National Day.

Among those present for the occasion, were numerous other Excellencies and scores of diplomats, some in uniform, from countries across the world.  Public officials from The Hague, representatives from some of Vietnam’s Dutch trading partners, representatives from universities, friends from Dutch-Vietnamese communities, and many other “friends of Vietnam” were also invited to celebrate together with the Ambassador and her staff.

Viet Nam’s Military attaches and guests in The Hague.

Her Excellency gave a brief statement to her guests and explained that President Ho Chi Minh, “the beloved leader of the Vietnamese people”, first proclaimed the Declaration of Independence in Hanoi on September 2, 1945. With this proclamation, the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, was born.

The Ambassador, also drew attention to Vietnam’s “Doi Moi” or “Renovation” policy, launched some thirty years ago.  â€śDoi Moi”, the term given to Vietnam’s strategic long term foreign policy, emphasizing “independence, self-reliance, cooperation and development, diversification and multilization of external relations and both proactive and active international integration.”

Viet Nam Independence Day’s reception.

2019 has been especially auspicious for the nation. Vietnam’s distinctive banner of a single golden star centered on a field of red, will be more visible than ever before in the years ahead, because, for the second in history, Vietnam was elected, by a nearly unanimous and record high number of votes, to become a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council starting on January 1, 2020 for the 2020-2021 term.

Ambassador Ngo Thi Hoa also drew special attention to the 46thyear anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the Netherlands (September 4, 1973 – September 4, 2019) and called attention to Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s April 2019 visit to Vietnam and the bilateral agreement to upgrade the Vietnam-Netherlands relation to a “comprehensive partnership” which resulted from that visit. She noted that the Netherlands, in addition to being Vietnam’s second largest trading partner, is also the largest European investor in the country. 

Today, Vietnam is one of the fastest growing economies in the region and with a 7.1% GDP growth rate as of 2018, the nation enjoys one of the fastest growing economies in the world.  Her Excellency stated that, “the country enjoys free trading relations with nearly 60 countries and partners in the world as a result of 16 Free Trade Agreeements” (FTAs) and further mentioned EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement signed in Hanoi on June 30 of this year, which is expected to boost EU exports to Vietnam by more than 15% and those from Vietnam to the EU by some 20% by 2020.

In closing, Her Excellency expressed her “deepest gratitude to the Government, the Ministries, the Dutch business community and people of the Netherlands and the international partners and friends who have cooperated with Vietnam over the years” and thanked them all for their “affection and support.” She also expressed her gratitude to the Vietnamese community in the Netherlands for their “continuous contribution to strengthen the friendship” between the two countries.

She concluded by offering a toast to “the fruitful friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and the Netherlands and to peace, stability and prosperity all over the world!” and warmly invited her many guests to an extensive hot and cold gastronomic buffet, catered by the The Hague’s popular Vietnamese restaurant “Ngon.”

For additional information: www.ngon.nl

Implementing security mechanism in Northeast Syria

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Implementing security mechanism in Northeast Syria

By Guido Lanfranchi.

The militaries of the United States and Turkey are jointly implementing a security mechanism for Northeastern Syria. The aim of the operations – U.S. military officials explained – is to support the fight against ISIS, while at the same time addressing Turkey’s security concerns.

As a complex and multi-layered war continues to affect Syria, the United States and Turkey are currently trying to cooperate in order to address some of the problems faced in the north-eastern part of the country. To date, Turkish and U.S. forces have already conducted five aerial reconnaissance patrols and one combined ground patrol in the area – Brigadier General Christian Wortman, Deputy Director of Operations of the U.S. European Command, explained in a press briefing. 

Brig. Gen. Wortman, who is the lead U.S. military representative coordinating with Turkey the implementation of a security mechanism in Northeast Syria, clarified that “the intention of this security mechanism is to address Turkey’s legitimate security concerns and to preserve the conditions that support continued operations to defeat ISIS while fostering conditions that reduce the risk of violence and instability” in the region.

The mechanism – he added – is implemented “in close coordination with Turkey, an important and longstanding NATO ally”.

These operations are being conducted also in coordination with the Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve, the U.S. military operation to defeat ISIS in Syria and Iraq. Brigadier General Scott Naumann, Director of Operations for the Task Force, highlighted that in the wake of ISIS’ territorial defeat the group remains a threat, and the U.S. military is consequently focusing its efforts on “enabling local security and preventing resurgent ISIS networks”. 

The U.S. officials also addressed the issue of civilian casualties in the area. While refraining from commenting on the specifics of the most recent UN Commission for Inquiry on Syria report, Brig. Gen. Wortman stressed that the U.S. military is working “very, very carefully to structure our operations and activities in a manner that limits any negative impacts to civilian populations” 

Questioned about the future of U.S. and Turkish operations in Northeast Syria, and specifically about rumors on the establishment of joint patrolling bases in the area, the U.S. officials declined to comment. However, Brig. Gen. Naumann explained that “there has been no change in our policy”. The U.S. military is set to maintain its current footprint, to continue providing tailored support to the Syrian Democratic Forces for the fight against ISIS, and to take into account the delicate security interests of its ally Turkey.

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 Amazon fires: a turning point in history?

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The Amazon fires: a turning point in history?

By Barend ter Haar.

The fires in the Amazon forest have raised extraordinary concern all over the world. But when we focus our attention at the fires, we might miss the revolution in international relations that is happening before our eyes: never before have so many countries put so much pressure on another country to force some of its inhabitants to behave more eco-friendly.

Not so long ago, sovereign countries were free to do whatever they wanted on their territory. This is reflected in the Charter of the United Nations, which states that the United Nations is not authorized “to intervene in matters which are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of any state”.

These concepts of sovereignty and of non-interference officially still stand, but they are being challenged by several developments. One of them is the emergence of the idea that individual countries host sites of universal value that should be considered as the heritage of humanity. This idea led to the UNESCO Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage. The Brazilian government referred to that, pointing at the obligation of France to protect and conserve the Notre-Dame in Paris. 

The Notre-Dame is indeed on the World Heritage List, as are a few national parks covering about 2% of the Amazon forest. If they would be lost, that would be a tragic loss for humanity but the health and safety of people outside Paris or the Amazon forest would not be directly affected. 

But if thousands of farmers and companies would continue to burn the Amazon forest at the current pace, that would be a totally different matter. It would not only affect the wellbeing of the local people, but the resulting pollution, acceleration of global warming and loss of biodiversity would affect the whole planet. That is why the international community is pressuring the government of Brazil to take urgent measures. 

Critics argue that global warming and pollution and loss of biodiversity are not caused by the burning of the Amazon forest alone, but are the result of unsustainable human activities all over the world. They are right. But what conclusion should we draw from this? Should we allow Brazilians to destroy their forests because our ancestors have destroyed our forests, or because our companies and citizens are contributing to pollution, climate change and biodiversity loss in other ways? Should we give every country a fair chance to take part in the destruction of the world as we know it? 

Or should we expect every country to do what it can to prevent global environmental disasters? By openly putting pressure on Brazil, many countries have chosen the latter approach. But if they put pressure on Brazil to make its citizens and companies behave more eco-friendly, they should not be surprised when other countries will take a closer look at what their companies and citizens are doing and put a similar type of pressure on them.

In view of the transboundary effects of domestic policies with regard to nature and the environment, it makes sense to disregard the rule that countries should not judge each other’s domestic policies, although it might be the kiss of death for the concept of sovereignty.

The Hague Roundtable on Climate & Security

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The Hague Roundtable on Climate & Security

Michaela Spaeth, The Hague Roundtable on Climate & Security.

On Thursday September 12th, The Hague Roundtable on Climate & Security discussion was held for the 10th time under the direction of Matt Luna. The roundtable, followed by a networking lunch, was hosted by the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in The Hague at the Residence of the Ambassador. The theme of this session was Extreme Weather Disasters: Resilience, Cooperation and Forecasting–Implications for Global Peace and Security. 

With the forum’s primary mission being â€śto promote international cooperation in adapting to climate risks to human well-being, sustainable development, peace and political stability”, the agenda of the panel was centered around effectively cooperating in the issues related to matters such as water resources or migration, working to prevent natural disasters, as well as potential conflict, and lastly, to provide the aid needed to stabilise fragile states. 

Jamie Shea, during his remarks. The Hague Roundtable on Climate & Security.

The speakers of the panel, including numerous ambassadors, were joined by Mr. Ronald Jackson, Head of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) on video.

Mr. Jackson was reporting on recovery missions in the Bahamas following Hurricane Dorian, and stressing the steps towards building future resilience against such climate change-related natural disasters. During this half-day conference, the representatives of the individual countries also proposed various suggestions and strategies for the future term of 4-5 years.

The Hague Roundtable on Climate & Security

Among the guests were Jamie Shea (Former NATO Dep. Asst. Sec. Gen. for Emerging Security Challenges), Michaela Spaeth (Director for Energy and Climate Policy, German Federal Foreign Office), Maarten van Aalst, (Director of Red Cross Climate Centre & Professor of Spatial Resilience for Disaster Risk Reduction at University of Twente), and Ann Vaughan (Mercy Corps, Advocacy Lead / Zurich Flood Resilience Alliance). 

Maarten van Aalst, The Hague Roundtable on Climate & Security

During the closing remarks, all of the participants expressed their willingness to work towards a joint preventative action which would enable for an effective resilience-building in the times of imminent environmental threats caused by the climate changes. 

Diplomat Magazine has been showing its support for several successive years during which The Hague Roundtable has been taking place.

Celebration 28thAnniversary Uzbekistan

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Celebration 28thAnniversary Uzbekistan

In the picture H.E. Mr. Dilyior Khakimov, Ambassador of Uzbekistan during his speech at Crowned Plaza, September 12, 2019.

By Roy Lie Atjam.

The Hague 12thSeptember 2019 – The Embassy of Uzbekistan in cooperation with Diplomatic Magazine hosted  a reception to celebrate the 28th Anniversary of the Independence of Uzbekistan.

H.E. Mr Dilyor Khakimov, Ambassador of Uzbekistan, addressed the compact crowd consisting of Ambassadors from every continent, diplomats and members of the Dutch society, international organizations from the Netherlands and Belgium.

Ambassador Dilyor Khakimov thanked the audience for their attendance. He subsequently invited them to visit the fair showcasing items from Uzbekistan and to sample the world- famous  Uzbekistan Palov made with rice, pieces of mutton, carrots, onions chickpeas and raising and somsas, stuffed with carrots and meat, traditional Uzbek bread called noni or patyr all prepared by Chef Nigmat Rakhimov.

Uzbek bread

Uzbek craftsman  Abdulbosit  Isakjanov, presented his works made of silk, cotton, satin, adras and ikat. So did madam Feruza  Kurbanova with Uzbek fashion and accessories using silver, leather and other materials.

During the event, videos on the ongoing reforms on the economic, sporting and investment fields were shown to the guests.

All in all, a good exposure to Uzbekistan.

U.S. administration strengthens its toolbox to fight terrorism

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U.S. administration strengthens its toolbox to fight terrorism

By Guido Lanfranchi.

Eighteen years after the 9/11 attacks, the United States administration has significantly updated its terrorist designation mechanism. The update – enacted through a Presidential Executive order – will enable the U.S. to step up its campaign to deny revenues to terrorist groups and leaders.

The attacks of September 11th, 2001 ushered in a new era for the United States’ counterterrorism policy. On September 11th, 2019, eighteen years later, an Executive Order issued by President Donald J. Trump is set to step up U.S. efforts to chase terrorists around the world and deny them their sources of revenue. “It’s the most significant update to our terrorist designation authorities since the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks” – Mr. Nathan Sales, Ambassador-at-Large and Coordinator for Counterterrorism in the U.S. administration, claimed in a press briefing held on September 11th.

This Executive Order is set to “enhance our ability to identify and sanction perpetrators of terrorist acts worldwide” – according to Mr. Marshall Billingslea, Assistant Secretary for Terrorist Financing at the U.S. Department of Treasury, who explained some of the modifications introduced by this legislation.

First, while in the past authorities needed to tie a terrorist to a specific violent act in order to target him, this new Order will allow for targeting leaders of terrorist groups, as well as people involved in training activities, without the need to point at any specific act. Moreover, the Order will allow for strengthened secondary sanctions against “foreign financial institutions that have knowingly conducted or facilitated significant financial transactions for sanction purposes”, and it will allow to target “those who are acting for or on behalf of the specially designated global terrorists” – A/S Billingslea explained

Addressing the press, the U.S. officials largely praised the work done by the Trump administration over the last years. Ambassador Sales noted that the current administration has “used our terrorism sanctions more aggressively than any previous administration,” with more than 400 designations since January 2017. As a result, “we have seen a noticeable degradation in the capacity of certain terrorist groups to conduct attacks,” A/S Billingslea claimed, citing ISIS, al-Qaida and Hezbollah as significant cases in point. 

Eighteen years after the 9/11 attacks, the U.S. seems determined to continue its war against terrorism across the globe.

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.

USAF Bomber Task Force deploys to Europe to bolster readiness

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USAF Bomber Task Force deploys to Europe to bolster readiness

By Guido Lanfranchi.

The U.S. Air Force has temporarily deployed B-2 strategic stealth bombers to RAF Fairford, England. The bombers have been testing synergies with both 5thand 4thgeneration aircraft, including with partner F-35s, to bolster the readiness of U.S. and NATO forces in the region.

For the second time this year, the United States Air Force’s Bomber Task Force has deployed its aircraft in Europe.

After the deployment of six B-52 bombers in March 2019, in September it has been the turn of the B-2 strategic stealth bombers from the 509th Bomb Wing of Whiteman Air Force Base, which are now deployed to the Royal Air Force Base in Fairford, England.

The aim of this deployment is to work on the readiness of U.S. and NATO forces in Europe – Lieutenant General Steven Basham, Deputy Commander of U.S. Air Force in Europe and Africa, explained. During the time of the deployment, the U.S. bombers are set to practice their operations in the European theater, experiencing its facilities, its airspace, and the cooperation with crucial allies such as the RAF – Lt. Gen. Basham explained, thanking the United Kingdom for hosting the aircrafts. 

During the time of the deployment, the B-2 is set to practice its interoperability capabilities, including with both 4thand 5thgeneration aircraft, not only from the U.S. Air Force, but also from allied forces such as the RAF. The current deployment proves to U.S. allies and to the world that these aircraft are able to operate together and from multiple foreign locations, covering a wide theater and creating important synergies – Lt. Gen. Basham noted. 

According to the Deputy Commander of USAFE, this show of force is meant to have a deterrent effect against potential adversaries and, in the unfortunate case deterrence would fail, such operations demonstrate that U.S. forces can deploy quickly and effectively to protect U.S. allies. “I’m very confident of our readiness level and it continues to improve every single day” – Lt. Gen. Basham proudly claimed. 

In the context of the longstanding transatlantic alliance, this deployment should also be seen as an important demonstration of the U.S. commitment to its allies and partners in the region, as stressed by Colonel Kurt Wendt, Commander of the 501stSupport Air Wing, and Lt. Colonel Robert Shoeneberg, Commander of the 393rdBomb Squadron – both currently deployed in Fairford in the context of the B-2 deployment. 

This commitment seems set to continue for the foreseeable future and, in the words of Lt. Gen. Basham, this kind of deployments could be seen “more often than less” in the future. 

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.

Pasar Indonesia Raya Pandora 2019

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Pasar Indonesia Raya Pandora 2019

74th Indonesian Independence Celebration.

In the picture H.E. I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja, accompanied by the Mayor of Rijswijk, Mr Michel Bezuijen.

As an integral part of the 74th Indonesian Independence celebration, the Indonesian Embassy in The Hague organized  Pasar Indonesia Raya (Pandora) in the city of Rijswijk ZH, on 13-15 September 2019. The fair  attracted thousands of visitors from around the Netherlands and beyond.

Pandora 2019 was officially declared opened by the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia in the Netherlands, H.E. I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja, accompanied by the Mayor of Rijswijk, Mr Michel Bezuijen. Witnessing the opening ceremony were members of the diplomatic community, the Ambassadors China, El Salvador, Thailand, Kuwait, Bangladesh as well as members of the press. Before the official opening Ambassador Puja performed with Dharma Wanita Persatuan KBRI Den Haag.

H.E. I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja, accompanied by the Mayor of Rijswijk, Mr Michel Bezuijen during the opening ceremony of Pasar Indonesia Raya 2019 in Rijswijk.

They sang national and regional songs, including the renowned Indonesian song Tanah Air Beta. It is a nostalgic song, an expression of love for the homeland of Indonesia, the most beautiful country that is second to none. The performance was greatly appreciated by the audience.

Mayor Michel Bezuijen expressed his appreciation for being invited to join in the 2019 festivities. Pandora has become one of the city’s favourite annual events. I, therefore, did not think twice when I received the invitation to attend the Pandora 2019. It is the largest Indonesian cultural festival  in the Netherlands.

Pasar Indonesia Raya Pandora 2019.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Puja in his opening remarks stated that he was very happy to celebrate Independence Day together with guests, the Indonesian community, and a great variety of visitors. Ambassador Puja went on to say, what a beautiful day. Welcome to all visitors and welcome to this year’s Pandora event. I hope that you all can enjoy and have fun with various kinds of music, dances and delicious food from all over the archipelago. I am sure you will all go home with a full stomach , said Ambassador Puja.

This year Pandora was joined by 47 archipelago culinary stands and 37 stands of Indonesian products. Visitors could enjoy a variety of Indonesian dishes including Padang, Central Java, West Java, Yogyakarta, Jakarta, Medan and Betawi .

Testimonials: Alhamdulillah, from the first day my booth was visited by many buyers. The merchandise sold well even though this is the first time he joined Pandora. I will come again next year.

Pasar Indonesia Raya Pandora 2019.

Erna is not the only trader who comes directly from Indonesia. Erna claimed to come with several other friends and felt the same way. Bertha, a young Indonesian entrepreneur who is studying in Amsterdam also participated in introducing his products. Bertha introduced a bag product based on woven fabric from NTT branded Ayotupas Handmade Indonesia and a minimalist yet modern design batik T-shirt product from SeKawan. 

Exhibitors from Transvision, the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Alzheimer’s Foundation, BNI and Garuda Indonesia.

Pasar Indonesia Raya Pandora 2019.

Pandora’s program was enriched by various musical performances, dance and fashion shows. Native Indonesian artists as well as who have settled in the Netherlands and those who directly imported from Indonesia such as the Traditional Music Group Ki Ageng Ganjur and Imam Jimbrot along with Mel Shandy, Bali Blues Brothers and Gus Teja, Bona Indonesian Idol and Fitri Carlina contributed to the  event.

I am very delighted  to be here. I like Indonesian cuisine. I love this event because I can enjoy Indonesian cuisine,” said Rick Maliangkay, a Dutch citizen.

H.E. I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja, accompanied by the Mayor of Rijswijk, Mr Michel Bezuijen. Pasar Indonesia Raya Pandora 2019

Another visitor from Nigeria, Mohammed, claimed to come every day to Pandora. He heard this event from an Indonesian friend. “This event is very interesting, the visitors here are also very friendly, and the food is very good. I like ice cendol,” said Mohammed.

Besides being attended by Indonesians, and Dutch citizens other nationals attended as well.

U.S. condemns human rights violations in Venezuela

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U.S. condemns human rights violations in Venezuela

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms. Michelle Bachelet.

By Guido Lanfranchi.

After the release of the UN updated report on the human rights situation Venezuela, officials of the United States administration harshly condemned Maduro government for conducting abuses against the Venezuelan people. In the meanwhile, in early September the U.S. Special Representative for Venezuela travelled to Brussels to hold discussions with his EU counterparts.

In early September, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms. Michelle Bachelet, released new information on the human rights situation in Venezuela – updating a previous report presented to the UN Human Rights council on July 5th, 2019. In the wake of the update’s publication, the United States administration seized on this opportunity to voice its condemnation of Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro.

“Nicolas Maduro and his cronies are committing egregious human rights violations against the Venezuelan people” – Mr. Scott Busby, Senior Official at the U.S. Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, declared in a press briefing. Mr. Busby firmly condemned the use of torture and extrajudicial killings by the “former Maduro regime” – using an expression that stresses how the U.S. does not recognize anymore Mr. Maduro as Venezuela’s legitimate president. 

His words were echoed by those of Ms. Carrie Filippetti, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, who claimed that abuses against the Venezuelan opposition have increased recently “because the Maduro regime is desperate”. These abuses are the main reasons for the suspensions of the Norwegian-brokered negotiations efforts – DAS Filippetti continued, blaming the government for trying to “manipulate the negotiation process” to its own favor. 

Questioned about the potential negative effects of U.S. sanctions on the Venezuelan people, Ms. Filippetti firmly denied the validity of these claims.

To back up her argument, she noted that the beginning of Venezuela’s economic trouble coincided with Mr. Maduro’s ascent to power, and that U.S. sanctions have been focusing mostly on individuals stealing resources from the Venezuelan people. 

The beginning of September also saw a new trip of U.S. Special Representative Elliot Abrams to Brussels, a trip aimed at discussing the U.S. and the European Union’s policies towards Venezuela. In this regard, Mr. Abrams praised the alignment between the U.S. and the EU, claiming that the both actors share the same goal: “the restoration of democracy and prosperity” in the country.

Speaking to the press from Brussels, Mr. Abrams also voiced the administration’s concern about the presence of Colombian rebel fighters in Venezuela, as well as about the recent military drills performed by the Venezuelan army near the Colombian border. In case of any attack to Colombia – Mr. Abrams stressed – the U.S. would firmly stand behind Bogota. Yet, the Special Representative tried to downplay rumors of a potential U.S. military intervention: while all options remain on the table, “our policy now is economic, financial, diplomatic, political pressure on the regime”. 

Mr. Abrams used his talks with EU official to gather more support for U.S. actions aimed at pressuring Mr. Maduro to relinquish power. Answering to questions about a potential amnesty for Mr. Maduro, DAS Filippetti did not rule out such possibility. “Our goal is not to penalize Maduro; our goal is to bring free and fair democracy back to Venezuela. And so we are willing to consider a number of different options that would enable that to be the case”. 

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.

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