Ambassador Prof. Dr. Andrzej Przyłębski – Picture by Polish Embassy to Germany.
Thursday, 5 December 2019, Halle, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany: Prof. Dr. Andrzej Przyłębski, Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to Germany, awarded scientific accolades to scholars on Polish studies at the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg.
The prize have been awarded since 2008 for outstanding dissertations and master’s theses in the humanities and social sciences on Polish history and culture as well as German-Polish relations.
Prof. Dr. Miloš Řezník, Director of the German Historical Institute in Warsaw, provided the keynote lecture.
The award ceremony was also attended by the Rector of Halle University, Prof. Christian Tietje, Head of the Aleksander-Brückner Centre for Polish Studies at Halle University, Prof.Yvonne Kleinmann, Director of the Centre for Historical Research Berlin of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Prof. Igor Kąkolewski and the classical guitarist Andrzej Mokry, who accompanied the event musically.
Eurojust’s Vice-President Klaus Meyer-Cabri addressing a seminar in Ireland on 21 November 2019, with the National Member for Ireland Frank Cassidy (right).
The Hague, 9 December 2019 – Ireland will continue to be an integral and full operational partner in Eurojust as of 12 December, when the new Regulation establishing Eurojust as an Agency will officially apply. Both houses of Parliament (the Oireachtas) already decided to opt-in as a full-fledged member of Eurojust in June of this year.
Ireland and the UK were required to opt-in to the Eurojust Regulation in view of the special protocol of both countries in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice. The decision to opt-in builds on the existing cooperation and exchange of information in judicial matters and the strong rise in the number of Irish cases registered at Eurojust. Ireland also participated for the first time in a Eurojust-funded joint investigation team (JIT) last month.
Eurojust’s President, Mr Ladislav Hamran, said: ‘We are very pleased that the excellent cooperation with Ireland will continue after 12 December, when we will officially become an EU Agency.Eurojust helps the judiciary to cooperate in a practical way and Ireland’s participation as an integral partner is of enormous importance in our joint efforts to combat cross-border crime.’
Ireland’s Minister for Justice and Equality, Mr Charles Flanagan, stated: ‘Ireland has been a committed member and supporter of Eurojust since its foundation. Opting into the new Eurojust Regulation was a matter of priority for Ireland. Ireland believes the new Regulation offers a modern framework for Eurojust to perform its role effectively and efficiently and looks forward to the Regulation coming into application on 12 December next.’
The National Member for Ireland at Eurojust, Mr Frank Cassidy, pointed out: ‘While a more open European Union brings many advantages, it creates significant challenges in addressing cross-border crime. The ability to continue to cooperate within Eurojust, and avail itself of the range of facilities available, is of invaluable importance for Ireland and will enable us to tackle crime in the most efficient way.’
Based on Protocol 21 on the position of the UK and Ireland within the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice, annexed to the Treaty on the European Union, both countries were required to opt-in to the new Eurojust Regulation, which is established as an official EU Agency as of 12 December of this year. The UK and Ireland decided to opt-in, respectively, in March and June. The participation of Ireland was confirmed by the European Commission on 29 November 2019.
The opt-in and international judicial cooperation with the future Agency were discussed at a seminar in Dublin on 21 November, organised by Eurojust, with the support of Claire Loftus, the Irish Director of Public Prosecutions, Marion Walsh of the Irish Department of Justice and Equality, and Assistant Commissioner Michael O’Sullivan of the national police force, An Garda Síochána. The seminar focused on the practical aspects of International cooperation in criminal law and included a delegation from the FBI. Vice-President Mr Klaus Meyer-Cabri, National Member for Ireland Mr Frank Cassidy and National Member for Portugal Mr António Cluny participated on behalf of Eurojust.
Over the last five years, the number of Irish cases registered at Eurojust has increased by 41 per cent, with 78 new cases last year. They involve a range of crime types, with the number of cases opened by Ireland being roughly the same number as the number of cases for which other Member States ask for Irish support.
Recently, Ireland for the first time participated in a Eurojust-funded JIT, together with the UK. The agreement on this JIT was signed on 8 November, with a coordination meeting taking place in Dublin. Ireland is the last EU Member State to sign up to a JIT.
The Permanent Representative of the United Arab Emirates to the OPCW, H.E. Ambassador Abdullah Al Otaiba and OPCW Director-General, H.E. Mr Fernando Arias.
THE HAGUE, Netherlands —10 December 2019 — The Government of the United Arab Emirates has contributed €100,000 to a special Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Trust Fund to support the project to upgrade the current OPCW Laboratory and Equipment Store.
This project will result in the construction of a new facility, the OPCW Centre for Chemistry and Technology (“ChemTech Centre”).
OPCW Director-General, H.E. Mr Fernando Arias, and the Permanent Representative of the United Arab Emirates to the OPCW, H.E. Ambassador Abdullah Al Otaiba.
The contribution was formalised during a ceremony at the OPCW Headquarters between OPCW Director-General, H.E. Mr Fernando Arias, and the Permanent Representative of the United Arab Emirates to the OPCW, H.E. Ambassador Abdullah Al Otaiba.
Ambassador Al Otaiba remarked: “The Government of UAE is very pleased to be able to contribute to the ChemTech Centre project, which is crucial for ensuring that the OPCW has the capability to keep abreast of the latest developments in science and technology and new chemical weapons threats.”
OPCW Director-General, H.E. Mr Fernando Arias, and the Permanent Representative of the United Arab Emirates to the OPCW, H.E. Ambassador Abdullah Al Otaiba.
Director-General Arias said: “I am most grateful to the UAE for its valuable contribution to the new OPCW Centre for Chemistry and Technology. The new centre will build on our existing technical and analytical capacity, and take us closer to our goal of achieving a world free of chemical weapons.”
Director-General Arias appealed to all OPCW States Parties in a position to make voluntary contributions to do so. He highlighted that “all contributions, regardless of size, are greatly appreciated and will go a long way to ensuring the success of the ChemTech Centre project”.
So far, twenty-six States Parties and the European Union have contributed or pledged to contribute financially to the project, and a considerable amount has been raised to date.
In the picture the Minister Counsellor Dr. Eugenio Matos, Dr. Maria Azpiroz and Ambassador Luis Arias Nuñez.
Under the sponsorship of Diplomat Magazine Netherlands, the Ministry of Education and Culture of Uruguay and the International Public Diplomacy Council, in collaboration with the Dominican Embassy in Montevideo, was hosted on November 28th a lecture entitled “Public Diplomacy for Developing States”, which took place in the National Library of Uruguay.
The guest speaker was Dr. Eugenio Matos G, lawyer, violinist and Dominican diplomat with a successful career in the field. He was awarded in 2018 by the School of Law of the University of Ottawa for his contributions to the investigation and practice on public diplomacy. One has to recall that Dr. Matos was Minister-Counsellor for the Dominican Republic Embassy in The Hague (2009-2014), currently in Ottawa, Canada.
The introductory words were given by Dr. María Azpiroz, Director of International Relations of the prestigious Uruguayan University ORT. “The Dominican expert will discuss for the first time in Montevideo a cutting-edge issue on the study and practice of public diplomacy, with particular impact on the foreign ministries of the Dominican Republic and Uruguay,” said Dr. Azpiroz.
The Dominican Ambassador in Uruguay, Dr. Luis Arias Nuñez, academics, jurists, members of the Dominican diaspora in Montevideo and special guests atended the event which was followed by a reception.
Dr. Stanislav Vassilevsky, Charge d’affaires de Belarus, Mr. Coen Masselink, General Manager of Des Indes, H.E. Mr. I Gusti Wesake Puja, Ambassador of Indonesia, the Ambassador of Egypt, H.E. Mr. Amgad Abdel Ghaffar, Santa Claus, Narumi Bucheli and Ms. Irina Vassilevska.
By Tereza Neuwirthová.
On the Friday afternoon of 6th December, the magnificent Hotel Des Indes in The Hague hosted a reception on the occasion of its annual Christmas decorations lighting tradition.
The opulent lounge of the emblematic Des Indes was decorated in elegant Christmas decorations, which perfectly suited the impressive design of this historical hotel.
Upon their arrival into the lounge, the guests were welcomed with a glass of champagne coupled with savoury refreshments, and they could enjoy the wonderful Christmas atmosphere created by the charming decorations and music played by the DJ.
The General Manager of Hotel Des Indes, Mr. Coen Masselinkopened the lighting ceremony with his speech:
“Today, we celebrate our first anniversary with The Leading Hotels of the World. Our transition to this very prestigious collection has been very successful, and I would like to use this moment to thank my colleagues for their enormous effort that has gone into this transition in the last 12 months.”
Mr. Coen Masselink, Des Indes General Manager during his speech, behind members of YMCA gospel choir from Scheveningen.
“Just before we light up the tree, on behalf of my team, I would like to wish you all present a very merry Christmas, and a happy, healthy 2020.”
Thereafter, a countdown followed until the Christmas tree was lightened up, a grandiose and magical moment that was accompanied by a spectacular performance of the YMCA gospel choir from Scheveningen, under the lead of conductor Rob Buis.
Ms. Irina Vassilevska, Dr. Stanislav Vassilevsky, Charge d’affaires de Belarus, Mr. Coen Masselink from Des Indes, Mr. Fernando Bucheli Vargas, Consul General of Ecuador and Narumi Bucheli with Santa Claus.
As the Christmas atmosphere settled in through the music, the guests chatted and indulged in small delicacies prepared by the Des Indes culinary team.
The annual lighting tradition saw the attendance of a number of diplomats, among them the Ambassador of Indonesia, H.E. I Gusti Wesaka Puja, the Ambassador of Egypt, H.E. Mr. Amgad Abdel Ghafar, the Charge d’affaires of Belaurs, Dr. Stanislav Vassilevsky and Ms. Irina Vassilevska, the Consul General of Ecuador, Mr. Fernando Bucheli and Narumi Bucheli, as well as other distinguished guests, who contributed to creating a pleasurable atmosphere at this very special Christmas event organised by Hotel Des Indes.
Wednesday, 4 December 2019, Düsseldorf, NRW, Germany: Premier Armin Laschet received Ambassador Pedro Raúl Villagra Delgado, Head of Mission of the Argentine Republic to Germany, for his inaugural visit to the State Chancellery.
In addition to the deepening of relations, the forthcoming inauguration of the new Argentine cabinet and the general political situation in South America were also discussed.
Premier Armin Laschet: “Argentina is an important partner for transatlantic relations with Latin America in view of the currently complicated political situation in parts of South America. Europe and Argentina will grow closer as a result of the free trade agreement negotiated this year between the European Union and the Mercosur states. North Rhine-Westphalia also has a positive view of a deepening of economic cooperation”.
Ambassador Villagra was accompanied by the new Argentine consul in Bonn, Dr. Eduardo Nazareno Muñoz, who likewise was received by Premier Laschet for a courtesy call.
Argentine-NRW relations The location of the Argentine consulate in Bonn underlines the good relationship between North Rhine-Westphalia and Argentina.
Argentina and North Rhine-Westphalia are currently linked by ten school partnerships and more than 45 university partnerships. Most recently, Dr. Mark Speich, State Secretary for Federal and European Affairs and International Affairs, visited Argentina in April 2019 and met with political representatives of the Buenos Aires region.
H.E. Mr Fawaz bin Mohamed Al Khalifa Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain.
By Roy Lie Atjam.
The Hague, 4 December 2019. On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa accession to the throne, H.E. Mr Fawaz bin Mohamed Al Khalifa Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain in the Netherlands organized a sitting lunch. The event also celebrated the Kingdom of Bahrain’s National Day,
The Ambassador of Morocco, His Excellency Abdelouahab Bellouki and the Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, His Excellency Mr Nawaf Wasfi Tell.
In his welcome remarks, Ambassador Fawaz bin Mohamed Al Khalifa warmly welcome his guests. He went on to mention the current situation in the Gulf region which he deemed worrisome.
The Ambassador further expresses his gratitude for the collective international assistance received in safeguarding a free mercantile shipping in the gulf.
Ambassador of Yemen, H.E. Ms. Sahar Ghanem and Mr. Hugo Siblesz, Secretary-General , Permanent Court of Arbitration.
An exquisite lunch followed in a cordial and pleasurable atmosphere. Guests were presented with a token of appreciated upon departure.
Ambassador Al Khalifa and the Director General of OPCW, .H.E. Mr. Fernando Arias.
H.E. Ms. Maria Teresa de Jesus Infante Caffi, Ambassador of Chile, Permanent Representative to the OPCWand H.E. Mr. Fernando Arias, Director General OPCW.
THE HAGUE, Netherlands —04 December 2019 — The Government of Chile has contributed €13,000 to a special Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Trust Fund to support the project to upgrade the current OPCW Laboratory and Equipment Store. This project will result in the construction of a new facility, the OPCW Centre for Chemistry and Technology (“ChemTech Centre”).
The contribution was formalised during a ceremony at the OPCW Headquarters between OPCW Director-General, H.E. Mr Fernando Arias, and the Permanent Representative of Chile to the OPCW, H.E. Ambassador Maria Teresa Infante.
Ambassador Infante Caffi and OPCW’s Director General during the ceremony.
The Director-General expressed: “I thank the Government of Chile for this contribution to the new OPCW Centre for Chemistry and Technology that will further build the capabilities of our Member States to achieve a world free of chemical weapons.”
Ambassador Infante remarked: “Chile is a longstanding supporter of the OPCW and its work to achieve a world free of chemical weapons. The new Centre for Chemistry and Technology will be of paramount importance to foster international cooperation and to strengthen the OPCW’s verification regime capacity. For Chile it is an honour to make a contribution to the new Centre as a sign of its unwavering support to the OPCW. I wish all the best to the Organisation in this important project.”
Director-General Arias appealed to all OPCW States Parties in a position to make voluntary contributions to do so. He further emphasised the important role the new ChemTech Centre will play in strengthening the OPCW’s ability to address chemical weapon threats, boost its investigative capability, and enhance capacity building activities. He highlighted that “all contributions, regardless of size, are greatly appreciated”.
So far, twenty-five States Parties and the European Union have contributed or pledged to contribute financially to the project, and a considerable amount has been raised to date.
The eighteenth session of the Assembly of States Parties (ASP) to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) opened at the World Forum Convention Center in The Hague, The Netherlands. From 2 to 7 December 2019, States Parties to the Rome Statute, the Court’s founding treaty, observer States, invited States, international and regional organizations and representatives from civil society will discuss key challenges facing the Statute.
States Parties will also make important decisions and adopt resolutions on key issues pertaining to the functioning of the Court and the Trust Fund for Victims, including in relation to their respective budgets, and on cooperation.
H.E. O-Gon Kwon, President of the Assembly of States Parties.
“This year the Assembly faces key decisions on the way forward in view of the anticipated review of the Court, one that would ultimately strengthen the Court and enable it to successfully confront the challenges that it faces today, twenty-one years after adoption of the Rome Statute”, said H.E. O-Gon Kwon, President of the Assembly of States Parties.
“Notwithstanding the challenges, the Court continues to have strong renewed support as shown by the recent addition to the Rome Statute family with the accession of Kiribati on Tuesday, 26 November 2019. I sincerely congratulate Kiribati for taking this firm step in support of the fight against impunity. I also wish to express my appreciation for the strong support and efforts made by States Parties and civil society in promoting the Statute”, he added.
The Ambassador of Ireland, H.E. Kevin Kelly during the opening session.
In his remarks, Judge Chile Eboe-Osuji, President of the ICC, underlined the Court’s crucial value in deterring atrocities, and said it had already had an effect in reducing election violence in several African countries.
He urged all States Parties to do what is necessary to defend the ICC against ongoing threats made against the institution, and stressed that no one should take the Court’s existence for granted.
H.E. Mr William Roelants de Stappers, Permanent Representative to the multilateral organizations.
“We must guard against complacency about the monumental achievement that we have in this Court. […] If the ICC had not been created when it was possible, it is highly unlikely that we could create it today, on the divided international stage that we are currently witnessing. Let us all cherish and protect this Court with the greatest zeal and passion”, President Eboe-Osuji stated.
ICC Prosecutor H.E. Ms. Fatou Bensouda.
In the tradition of past years, ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda presented an overview of her Office’s activities, including successes and challenges faced. She outlined important judicial developments in a number of cases and situations before the Court.
Prosecutor Bensouda highlighted that these developments are only the latest, visible outcomes stemming from her Office’s efforts over the past years to refine its investigation and prosecution strategies, and to strengthen its organisational capabilities, applying experiences and lessons learned. “The revised and refined approaches to investigations and prosecutions we have adopted since 2012 are producing tangible results”, stressed the Prosecutor.
Prosecutor Bensouda also echoed ICC President Eboe-Osuji’s call on States Parties and, other stakeholders committed to international criminal justice, to firmly stand by the Court when under attack.
She emphasized that “it is precisely at times like these when international criminal justice and indeed efforts to address gross human rights violations are under assault; when we are witnessing a clash and crisis of fundamental values, that courage and conviction must guide our actions to protect our common values and goals as defined under the Rome Statute.”
Mr. Renan Villacis, Director Secretariat of the Assembly, International Criminal Court.
“The Court’s independence is sacrosanct and should never be allowed to be compromised”, she added.
H.E. Mr Felipe Michelini, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Trust Fund for Victims, stated: “The TFV Board of Directors is greatly encouraged to note the progress in delivering reparations awards to victims, in often challenging operational circumstances. We are committed to the further strengthening of the Fund’s performance and presence, towards making reparative justice a reality for victims and fulfilling the promise of the Rome Statute. Our ambitions will thrive on the guidance and strong support of the States Parties”.
Mayor Dr. Peter Tschentscher & Ambassador Pedro Raúl Villagra Delgado – Image by Hamburger Senatskanzlei.
Monday, 2 December 2019, Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, Germany: the Argentine’s Ambassador to Germany, Pedro Raúl Villagra Delgado, on duty as chef de mission since 11 September 2019, paid his introductory call upon the Governing Mayor of Hamburg, Dr. Peter Tschentscher.
Ambassador Villagra Delgado is a career diplomat, former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Argentine as well as long-time top diplomatic envoy for his country to the Commonwealth of Australia.
