Assisting Italian and Bulgarian Authorities: Eurojust Aids in Arresting 22 Suspects Involved in Forcing Female Victims into Prostitution

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Assisting Italian and Bulgarian Authorities: Eurojust Aids in Arresting 22 Suspects Involved in Forcing Female Victims into Prostitution

The Hague, 15 March 2024

With Eurojust support, authorities in Italy and Bulgaria have arrested 22 alleged members of an organised crime group (OCG), which forced tens of female victims into prostitution. During a coordinated action day earlier this week, most of the often relatively young victims were brought to safety. The mainly Bulgarian OCG was known for its heavy use of violence.

Specific members of the OCG used the so-called ‘lover boy’ method, pretending to engage personally with women from a poor background in Bulgaria and other countries in Eastern Europe and promising them good job opportunities in Italy. In reality, their passports were taken away and the victims were forced into prostitution in Italy in dire conditions.

The OCG had a clear division of roles, with certain members being responsible for luring the victims to Italy and others taking care of transport and controlling them, occasionally under extreme duress.

The Italian authorities started investigating the OCG in 2021, and a year later Eurojust was contacted to coordinate the cooperation with their counterparts in Bulgaria, via the National Desks of both countries at the Agency.

Eurojust provided support with the execution of European Investigations Orders and requests for Mutual Legal Assistance, as well as the setting up of a coordination meeting. During the joint action day, assistance was also provided to the three competent Bulgarian Prosecution Offices in order to rapidly execute European Arrest Warrants for seven of the suspects, who were residing in Bulgaria.

The tracing and arrest activities in Bulgaria were carried out via the European Network of Fugitive Active Search Teams, specifically by the Bulgarian team, upon activation by their counterparts in Italy, which provided constant information. 

The operations on the ground were carried out at the request of and by:

  • Italy: Public Prosecutor’s Office of Lecce; Italian State Police HQ of Lecce; Fugitive Active Search Team (FAST) Italy, at the Service for International Police Cooperation (SCIP) of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
  • Bulgaria: FAST Bulgaria, at the General Directorate of the National Police – Wanted and Missing Persons Unit.

Swiss model for Bosnia and Herzegovina

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Swiss model for Bosnia and Herzegovina

Msgr. Prof. Dr. Franjo Topić, prominent Catholic theologian, honorary president of the Croatian Cultural Society (HKD) “Napredak” and honorary president of the Pan-European Union of BiH, presents an analysis entitled “Swiss model for Bosnia and Herzegovina” in which he shares his thoughts on the exhaustion of the existing and the need for a new, fairer and more functional constitutional arrangement for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

By Msgr. Prof. Dr. Franjo Topić

Almost thirty years after the signing of the Dayton Peace Agreement, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) is still in a sort of coma, and some say that there has never been a worse crisis, which is often said since the war. This text[2] is not daily-political and should not be interpreted as such, but the thinking of an engaged intellectual who cares about all of Bosnia and Herzegovina and all the citizens and peoples of this country, and especially about peace in BiH and the world. As the famous saying goes: Without a peaceful Bosnia, there is no peaceful Europe. Now BiH has a chance on March 21, 2024 to start negotiations for joining the European Union, which is truly the most important political fact since Dayton. 

There are no ideal solutions, but it is clear to everyone that this type of entity arrangement is exhausted and that something should be changed and improved. And the architect of the Dayton Agreement in 1995 – which stopped the war, and that should always be emphasized, because it is still the most important thing – the American diplomat Richard Holbrook spoke and wrote that Dayton 2 should be organized, which some a priori reject, and they should not, because the search for good solution is probably the obligation of all those who are active in public.

This kind of BiH is not functional as a state, it is not fundamentally fair, because many do not have equal rights in all parts of BiH and it does not ensure a good future for Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is useful to recall an event that was very important in its time, and its proposals are still relevant today and, by all accounts, offer a better solution to the organization of BiH than the current one. It is essentially the Swiss model of cantonization of the entire BiH. Especially at the beginning of the independent BiH, Stjepan Kljuić said that BiH should become like Switzerland. Nothing is easy to change, but it is possible. Today’s Switzerland was not easily created either, but one should not get tired and we need to work on it. First of all, we need the political will of the leaders, and a lot of work by experts to change this constitutional model to the satisfaction of all citizens and peoples of BiH, as well as the international community. What is good from the Swiss constitution should be thoroughly rewritten. The fact that a lot has changed since the Dayton Agreement shows that changes are possible. And that should be done jointly by actors similar to Dayton 1. 

Croatian Coordination Committee

We will describe the broader context, because even without context, things cannot be properly understood. Let’s remind ourselves. Bosnian Serbs rebelled against independent Bosnia and Herzegovina (referendum on March 1, 1992) then together with the truncated Yugoslavia (i.e. Serbia and Montenegro) they started a war in BiH. As is known, the conflict between the Croatian Defense Council (HVO) and the (Bosniak) Army of the RBiH started in April 1993. As the situation in Sarajevo and Bosnia and Herzegovina deteriorated and became increasingly complicated, with the risk of total war and the disappearance of BiH and Bosnian Croats, Sarajevo’s Croat and Catholic organizations worked to suppress the conflict at least in Sarajevo, and to resolve many open issues. 

It should be mentioned, because it is important for a better understanding of the text, that Sarajevo lived under complete siege, that there was no electricity and water for months, and that in 1993 humanitarian aid usually consisted of 200 grams of rice per week. For at least two years, with various fluctuations, 1 kg of rice cost DEM 60, sugar 50 – 60, a liter of oil 50, a kilogram of coffee 120 DEM, etc. And the worst thing is that every day people died all over BiH, and at that time the end of the war was not in sight. In August 1993, the establishment of the coordination body of the Croatian parties, the Church and HKD Napredak was initiated.

After several meetings, on September 10, 1993, due to the risk of conflict between the HVO and the RBiH Army in Sarajevo, the Croatian Coordination Committee (HKO) was founded, consisting of: Vrhbosnia Archdiocese (Rev. Nikola Lovrić), Franciscan Province (Fr. Ljubo Lucić), Caritas (Rev. Franjo Tomić), Croatian Democratic Community of the City of Sarajevo (Tomo Obrdalj), Croatian Peasant Party of BiH (Ivo Komšić), Croatian Defense Council from Sarajevo (Slavko Zelić), HKD Napredak (Franjo Topić) and Napredak’s Croatian Chamber of Commerce. 

Tvrtko Nevjestić, president of the Chamber, was elected president, vice-president was the author of these lines, and Hrvoje Ištuk was the secretary. HKO was the real and authorized representative of all members, which is a phenomenon suitable for a broader study. It met often, and sometimes daily, in the Vrhbosanska Theological Seminary and in HKD Napredak, which operated in the Theological Seminary. All decisions and announcements were made by consensus, never by outvoting. Talks were held with all important domestic and international factors (T. Nevjestić, Išječak našeg vremena, in: Napredak’s Croatian National Yearbook for 1997, 372-376). According to the assessment of the participants and witnesses of that difficult time, the HKO played a decisive role in preventing a conflict between the RBiH Army and the HVO in Sarajevo, and some wanted it to happen and worked on it on both sides. If there had been a conflict, many things would have been more difficult and complicated, not only in Sarajevo as the capital, but also in the whole of BiH.

The Assembly of Croats of Bosnia and Herzegovina

The HKO was the organizer of, and HKD Napredak logistically supported the Assembly of Croats of BiH in Sarajevo on February 6, 1994, the day after the horrific massacre at the Markale market. The Assembly adopted the documents that were also present at the Geneva negotiations. At this assembly, the Croatian National Council (HNV) was elected with Dr. Ivo Komšić as its first president, and it continued to achieve similar goals and tasks as the HKO, but without the official representation of the previously mentioned organizations and institutions, which were now replaced by individuals. In his memoir, Dr. Komšić talks a lot about the HKO, HNV and the Assembly. The HKO played its important role and, which rarely happens, ended itself. It should be said that Steve Bubalo, in addition to coming from America with his wife, Pero Radielović and Valentino Ivanković, was a donor to the Assembly.

The Assembly was attended by many distinguished persons from the public life of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Croatia: Drago Stipac, the legendary HSS member, Vlado Gotovac, Miko Tripalo, Stipe Mesić, Zvonimir Šeparović, etc. Also, Haris Silajdžić, then Prime Minister of the RBiH Government, Ejup Ganić, member of the RBiH Presidency, Miro Lazović, speaker of the RBiH Parliament, bishop Pero Sudar (archbishop Vinko Puljić was abroad), Mariofil Ljubić, deputy speaker of the RBiH Parliament, etc. As someone wrote: all of the Croatian intelligentsia and artists were present. The Assembly was attended by various ambassadors and international representatives headed by the American ambassador Victor Jackovich, and the French Henry Jacolin, who was particularly significant because the French UNPROFOR controlled the Sarajevo airport and mostly all of Sarajevo. Sergio de Mello, the representative of the United Nations for the former country, also played an important role, enabling the arrival of about a hundred people on UN planes from Zagreb, Split and Frankfurt, which at that time was a real undertaking because even ministers could not easily obtain permission for those flights.

Fruits of the Assembly

The Assembly and its results were eagerly awaited by many domestic and foreign politicians.

The basic proposal was to organize Bosnia and Herzegovina according to the Swiss model with ten cantons, three Croatian (Posavina, Travnik and Herzegovina), three Serbian and three Bosniak, and with Sarajevo as a district. The documents and positions of the Assembly significantly influenced the cessation of the conflict between the RBiH Army and the HVO, and the conclusion of the Washington Agreement, which definitively ended the conflict between the HVO and the RBiH Army, i.e. Bosniaks and Croats, and was the basis for the establishment of the Croat-Bosniak Federation. If it weren’t for the Assembly, there would have been a massacre of unprecedented proportions in the Lašva valley. According to foreign observers, there were about 30,000 soldiers of the RBiH Army in the besieged Lašva valley. Had Central Bosnia collapsed, the question is whether there would be Bosnia and Herzegovina at all? 

Zagreb politician and publicist Slavko Goldstein wrote that this Assembly introduced into the Croatian public “a breath of almost forgotten optimism” (Croatia after the agreement, in: Erasmus 6/1994, page 20). Peter Galbraith, the American ambassador to Croatia at the time, asserted: “It was also important that a group of Croats appeared who proposed different ideas… So the Assembly in Sarajevo was very important… Also for the discussion of maps, their ideas about it were especially important. They were the basis (for the discussion behind the creation of the federation). They also gave importance to the issue of Posavina, which was not the case in previous discussions” (Erasmus 6/1994, 14-15).

Declaration of the Assembly

The Declaration of the Assembly contained the following points:

  1. The state integrity of BiH is a vital interest of the Croatian people;
  2. Urgent and absolute cessation of all war activities;
  3. Continuity of statehood of all three peoples and their equal rights must be ensured in BiH;
  4. Any solution to the crisis in BiH that sanctions ethnic persecution and enables the continuation of ethnic cleansing is rejected;
  5. The return of all exiles and refugees to their homes is demanded;
  6. It is proposed to organize BiH federally on a cantonal basis.

Wouldn’t this arrangement be better than what we have today? With the existing two entities, BiH does not have a good and normal future, as we see every day. Even in the current negotiations, there are two practically opposed concepts: one exclusively ethnic, and the other exclusively “civil“. It should be clarified because there is often confusion around this term: in the political sense, civil in this context means one man – one vote, which is unacceptable for this multinational country. Entities are practically “independent” states and can hardly function solidly together. One of the main arguments of some from the international community why the Republika Srpska entity should not be reformed is that it is functioning. Functioning is a very important argument, but it is not sufficient, nor is it the only one, because North Korea is also functioning – of course, we are not comparing the entity Republika Srpska or Bosnia and Herzegovina with North Korea.

Combined democracy

Bosnia and Herzegovina should be organized, in our opinion, on the principle of “combined democracy“, i.e. personal and national rights should be ensured. The national element will be important here for a long time, and we must not run away from it. The Presidency of BiH and the House of Peoples of BiH ensure symbolic equality at the state level, and the cantons ensure national rights on the ground: education, culture, etc.

It should be possible for each people to elect its own member of the Presidency of BiH, experts should work it out so that it is not to the detriment of Croats or the whole of BiH. It is a frivolous argument that this is a further division of BiH, as if it had not already been divided in half! And many do not even mention this main division. Why? We have already mentioned that the International Community (domestic actors did not want to and were not able) did the most important thing when it stopped the war.

But that is not enough, now we need to organize Dayton 2 – let us repeat – to make the country as functional, fair and cheap as possible. It is clear that domestic politicians are primarily responsible and that they should find a good compromise solution. And when some criticize the international community, they should not forget that even now without the International Community it would be harder and worse to live. Who prevents domestic leaders from reaching an agreement and leaving the international community without a job? It is often forgotten that without the presence of the international community there would be much less foreign investment.

But the international community is saying in vain that domestic politicians should come to an agreement. If they wanted to and were able, they would have done it in so many years. The international community is also co-responsible because it co-created the Dayton Peace Agreement and is also co-responsible for its functioning and improvement. And it is the responsibility of local leaders and the International Community to ensure that conflicts do not arise here, as they are essentially being prepared by constant arguments. Peace is a work of justice and has no price. We will repeat once more: Peace is not everything, but without peace everything is nothing!

We hope and wish that by the next text, Bosnia and Herzegovina will start negotiations for accession to the European Union.


About the author:

Msgr. prof. Dr. Franjo Topić was born on March 13, 1953 in Kasapovići/Novi Travnik. He completed high school in Subotica (1967-1971), philosophical and theological studies at the Vrhbosna Catholic Theology in Sarajevo (1971-1977), and was ordained a priest of the Vrhbosna Archdiocese on June 29, 1976.

He was sent to postgraduate studies at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome in 1978, which he completed with a doctorate (1985) on the topic L’ uomo davanti alla rivelazione di Dio nel pensiero di Hans Urs von Balthasar.

From 1985 to 1991, he taught at the VCT in Sarajevo: Ecumenical Theology and Eastern Theology, and from 1985 he taught Ecclesiology, History and Doctrine of Islam, Credibility of Christian Revelation, and History and Doctrine of Religions (until 2011).

From 1986 to 1996, he was prefect of studies and secretary of the VCT.

He was a member of various church councils and community committees. He published in various magazines in the country and abroad.

In 1995, he was awarded the “Titus Brandsma” international award from the International Catholic Union of the Press /UCIP/ “because in his writings and publications in extremely difficult conditions he advocated for the preservation of humanity and the Christian spirit”.

He has been the president of the Croatian Cultural Society “Napredak” since its restoration in 1990, and now serves as the honorary president of “Napredak” and the honorary president of the Pan-European Union of Bosnia and Herzegovina. He is a member of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts.

Published by the International Institute for Middle East and Balkan Studies IFIMES. The article represents the author’s position and does not necessarily reflect the position of IFIMES nor Diplomat Magazine.

Ljubljana/Sarajevo, March 15, 2024                                                                           

Footnotes:
[1] IFIMES – The International Institute for Middle Eastern and Balkan Studies, based in Ljubljana, Slovenia, has a special advisory status with the Economic and Social Council ECOSOC/UN, New York, since 2018 and is the publisher of the international scientific journal “European Perspectives”.
[2] The text is a reminder of three important events: the anniversary of the Assembly of the Croats of Bosnia and Herzegovina (February 6, 1994), the Independence Day of Bosnia and Herzegovina (March 1), the anniversary of the Washington Agreement (March 18, 1994)

Juana Azurduy, Guerrilla of the Great Homeland

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Juana Azurduy, Guerrilla of the Great Homeland

To celebrate the achievements and contributions of women around the world, the Embassy of the Plurinational State of Bolivia in The Hague and the International Institute of Social Studies at Erasmus University Rotterdam commemorated International Women’s Day with inspiration and empowerment by presenting a special screening of the award winning film “Juana Azurduy, Guerrilla of the Great Homeland.” The audience consisted of diplomats, members of the Bolivian diaspora, teachers, alumni, as well as individuals from Venezuela, Cuba, Chile, Uruguay, Ukraine, and local Dutch people.

The powerful history of the revolutionary woman Juana Azurduy delves into the life of this guerrilla military leader who fought for Bolivian and Argentine independence, starting from a day in November 1825 in the Bolivian city of Chuquisaca. There, Doña Juana Azurduy Bermúdez de Padilla, heroine of the independence war against the Spanish army, receives a visit from the liberators Simón Bolívar, Antonio José de Sucre, and José Miguel Lanza. Throughout a long conversation, in a very modest dwelling where she resided, Juana receives the admiration of the rulers while reminiscing about the most significant episodes of her career as a patriot and commander of the armed forces. She also reflects on the loss of her four children, husband, so many patriots and all her belongings during the war. She confronts the results of her sacrifices and those of many others, juxtaposing them with the triumphalism and ignorance of the ruling liberators.

H.E. Ambassador Roberto Calzadilla Sarmiento

The Ambassador of Bolivia, H.E. Mr. Roberto Calzadilla Sarmiento, introduced the film to the audience, mentioning the historical context of the film, which was unknown to many present. The heroine Juana Azurduy, a fighter of many battles on all fronts until the end of her life, serves as a reference for Bolivia and the world.

Ambassador Calzadilla spoke about the lengthy and arduous process necessary for real transformation, citing the change of Bolivia’s constitution in 2009. In this perspective, Bolivia became the Plurinational State of Bolivia, aiming to provide inclusion and extended rights to the indigenous people, to the mother earth. “One of the lessons from Juana Azurduy was that she learned to overcome her own fears, to fight life but first fighting our own fears. Juana deeply believed in change, in the transformation of oneself, but also of everything around us.”

Directed by Jorge Sanjinés, Bolivia, 2016, the film featured Mercedes Piti Campos as Juana, a well-known theatre actor and singer who reinvented herself as a film actor. Campos learned horseback riding and fencing for months, delved into reading about the heroine, attended conferences, and learned from the director about his expectations for her portrayal of Juana. She said, “To personify a historical figure of the stature of Juana Azurduy is a great human challenge, and as an actress, it was also an enormous learning experience.”

Prof. Dr. Ruard Ganzevoort, Rector of the International Institute of Social Studies, commented on the film, emphasizing that war doesn’t end after the final battle; profound political and social changes are needed to reverse the causes that led to the war, otherwise, the same situation will re-establish itself with other actors.

After the screening, the ISS and the Embassy of Bolivia invited the guests to a reception at the university bar. Extended conversations ensued after the screening, pondering what Juana would do in this time, how many Juanas are still around, and from where we could resemble Juana in the current context.

ICC Presidency assigns judges to judicial divisions and Chambers

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ICC Presidency assigns judges to judicial divisions and Chambers

Following the solemn undertaking of six newly elected judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC) on 8 March 2024 and the Presidency’s election on 11 March 2024, the Presidency of the Court has assigned the judges to the three judicial divisions.

 

The Presidency also recomposed a number of Chambers where necessary, dissolved Trial Chamber VII, Trial Chamber VIII and

Trial Chamber IX and constituted Pre-Trial Chamber III and reassigned the situation in Uganda to it. The assignments as well as the re-composition of Chambers is effective as of 12 March 2024.  

 

The Appeals Division will be constituted of Judges Tomoko Akane, Luz del Carmen Ibáñez Carranza, Solomy Balungi Bossa, Gocha Lordkipanidze and Erdenebalsuren Damdin. 

 

The Trial Division will be constituted of Judges Kimberly Prost, Joanna Korner, Miatta Maria Samba, Althea Violet Alexis-Windsor, Keebong Paek, Nicolas Guillou and Beti Hohler. 

 

The Pre-Trial Division will be constituted of Judges Rosario Salvatore Aitala, Reine Alapini-Gansou, María del Socorro Flores Liera, Sergio Gerardo Ugalde Godínez, Iulia Motoc and Haykel Ben-Mahfoudh. 

 

The situations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo I; the Democratic Republic of the Congo II; Libya; the Republic of Mali; the Gabonese Republic; Registered Vessels of Comoros, Greece and Cambodia; Palestine; the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and the Republic of the Union of Myanmar; the Plurinational State of Bolivia; Georgia; the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela I; the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela II and the Republic of Philippines will be assigned to Pre-Trial Chamber I, to be composed of Judges Reine Alapini-Gansou, María del Socorro Flores Liera and Iulia Motoc. 

 

The situations in the Central African Republic I; the Central African Republic II; Darfur; the Republic of the Sudan; the Republic of Kenya; the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire; the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan; the Republic of Burundi and Ukraine will be assigned to Pre-Trial Chamber II, to be composed of Judges Rosario Salvatore Aitala, Sergio Gerardo Ugalde Godínez and Haykel Ben-Mahfoudh. 

 

The situation in the Republic of Uganda will be assigned to Pre-Trial Chamber III, to be composed of Judges Althea Violet Alexis-Windsor, Iulia Motoc and Haykel Ben-Mahfoudh. 

In addition, the Trial Chambers will be composed as follows: 

 

Trial Chamber I 

  • Le Procureur c. Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-RahmanJudge Joanna Korner, PresidingJudge Reine Alapini-GansouJudge Althea Violet Alexis-WindsorAlternate Judge: Judge Nicolas Guillou

 

Trial Chamber II 

  • Le Procureur c. Germain KatangaLe Procureur c. Thomas Lubanga DyiloLe Procureur c. Bosco NtagandaLe Procureur c. Ahmad Al Faqi Al Mahdi
  • §  Le Procureur c. Dominic Ongwen
  • Judge Kimberly ProstJudge María del Socorro Flores LieraJudge Nicolas Guillou
  •  

Trial Chamber IV 

  • Le Procureur c. Abdallah Banda Abakaer NourainJudge Kimberly ProstJudge Keebong PaekJudge Nicolas Guillou

Trial Chamber V 

  • Le Procureur c. Alfred Yekatom and Patrice-Edouard NgaïssonaJudge Bertram Schmitt, PresidingJudge Péter KovácsJudge Chang-ho ChungAlternate Judge: Judge Beti Hohler

Trial Chamber VI 

  • Le Procureur c. Mahamat Said Abdel KaniJudge Miatta Maria Samba, PresidingJudge María del Socorro Flores LieraJudge Sergio Gerardo Ugalde GodínezAlternate Judge: Judge Keebong Paek.

Trial Chamber X 

  • Le Procureur c. Al Hassan Ag Abdoul Aziz Ag Mohamed Ag MahmoudJudge Antoine Kesia-Mbe Mindua, PresidingJudge Tomoko AkaneJudge Kimberly Prost.

 

ICC

 
 

Each Division will elect a President of the respective Division from amongst its members and each newly composed Pre-Trial and Trial Chamber will elect a Presiding Judge. The Appeals Chamber decides on a Presiding Judge for each appeal. According to article 39(1) of the Rome Statute, the assignment of judges to Divisions by the Presidency is based on the nature of the functions to be performed by each Division and the qualifications and experience of the elected judges, so that each division contains an appropriate combination of expertise in criminal law and procedure and in international law. The judges are assigned for three years, and thereafter until the completion of any case.

 

The judges assigned to the Appeals Division serve in the Appeals Division for their entire term. On the basis of workload, consistently with the requirements of article 35(3) of the Rome Statute, and applying an objective criterion of prioritising the calling to full-time service of judges who are nationals of States Parties which have never previously had a judge serving at the Court, Judges Damdin and Motoc will commence full-time service in mid-May 2024, Judges Ben-Mahfoudh and Hohler will commence full-time service in mid-June 2024 and Judges Paek and Guillou from mid-August 2024.

NATO flag raised at the Nordic embassies in Germany

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NATO flag raised at the Nordic embassies in Germany
Tuesday, 12 March 2024, Berlin-Tiergarten, Germany: In the presence of policymakers, friend and allies, Swedish officials had the pleasure of raising NATO’s flag at the Nordic embassies’ complex in Berlin.
 
It was indeed a moving day that took place in the presence of personalities that included Ambassador of Finland in Germany, Kai Sauer, Dr. Tobias Lindner, Minister of State in the Federal Foreign Office of Germany and Michael Roth, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee at the Bundestag. 
 
Swedish Military Attaché in Germany, Jonas Hård af Segerstad.
 
For the first time in 500 years, all Nordic countries belong to the same defense alliance. Sweden’s accession to NATO is a big step for Nordic and Nordic-Baltic cooperation: “We are no longer just good neighbours, now we are also allies and ready to defend our common freedom,” said Swedish Ambassador Veronika Wand-Danielsson in her speech.
 
Germany, represented by State Minister Dr. Tobias Lindner, also found remarkable words in the framework of the ceremony:”Today may be a conclusion to the accession process. In reality, it is a beginning: we welcome two countries to NATO with which we share values and interests and we as the Federal Republic of Germany are pleased to be a member of an alliance where we know you are by our side.”Russian imperialism is the reason Finland and Sweden found their way into NATO.
 
Ceremony at the premises of the Nordic embassies in Berlin-Tiergarten.
 
That’s why Michael Roth reminded us in particular of the people in Ukraine at the end: “They are waging their fight in the name of all of us. Because it’s about our freedom, our peace, our security.”Sweden became NATO’s newest member on Thursday, 7 March 2024, upon depositing its instrument of accession to the North Atlantic Treaty with the Government of the United States in Washington D.C. With Sweden’s accession, NATO now counts 32 countries amongst its members.
 
For further information:
 
 
———–
Pictures by Embassy of Sweden in Germany, Bernhard Ludewig
 
 

Inaugural visit by Ambassador Onzhanov in Thüringen

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Inaugural visit by Ambassador Onzhanov in Thüringen

Monday, 11 March 2024, Erfurt, Free State of Thuringia, Germany: Premier Bodo Ramelow received Dr. Nurlan Onzhanov, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan, for his inaugural visit to the Thuringian State Chancellery. Their conversation was about cooperation in the economic sector, particularly the topics of “green hydrogen” and renewable energies.

Whilst in Erfurt, the Kazakh delegation also met with the Minister of Economic Affairs and Science Wolfgang Tiefensee, whowelcomed 23 Kazakh business and university representatives under the leadership of Kazakhstan’s Deputy Minister of Industry and Construction, Olzhas Saparbekov. The Kazakh delegation’s programme included visits to TITK e.V. in Rudolstadt, the EBZ Erfurt education center and aqua-mol GmbH from Floh-Seligenthal.

Likewise a Business Round Table “Thuringia – Kazakhstan” was held in order to further bilateral projects in the area of business and innovation. Four new cooperation agreements were signed. With the visit, the Kazakh side followed an invitation from Minister Tiefensee and State Secretary Carsten Feller, which they had extended during the Thuringian delegation trip to Kazakhstan in April 2023. 

For further information 

Government of the Free State of Thuringia: 

https://thueringen.de/staatskanzlei/thueringer-staatskanzlei-erfurt/veranstaltungsberichte/detailseite?tx_news_pi1%5Baction%5D=detail&tx_news_pi1%5Bcontroller%5D=News&tx_news_pi1%5Bnews%5D=1432611&cHash=aa2db90889fb10a02e22a6266dc06f49

Inaugural visit of Dr. Ana Polak Petrič to Thüringen

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Inaugural visit of Dr. Ana Polak Petrič to Thüringen

Wednesday, 28 February 2024, Erfurt, Thuringia, Germany: Premier Bodo Ramelow received the Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia in Germany, H.E. Dr. Ana Polak Petrič, on her inaugural visit to the Thuringian State Chancellery. The focus was on getting to know each other and intensifying bilateral relations between Thuringia and Slovenia, especially in the areas of business, tourism and culture.

Dr. Ana Polak Petrič was accredited to Germany on 27 September 2024. Previously he had served in the capacity as Slovenia’s ambassador to Japan with concurrencies to The Philippines and South Korea. She holds a PhD in Law from the European Faculty of Law, New University, Ljubljana. 

Ambassador Polak Petrič is fluent in Slovenian, German, Serbo-Croatian and holds knowledge of the French and Russian languages. 

For further information

Government of Thüringen: https://thueringen.de/staatskanzlei/thueringer-staatskanzlei-erfurt/veranstaltungsberichte/detailseite?tx_news_pi1%5Baction%5D=detail&tx_news_pi1%5Bcontroller%5D=News&tx_news_pi1%5Bnews%5D=1339233&cHash=d1359d3aecd6119d155b3c941c4e2d01

Thai Ambassador Presents Letter of Credence to HM The King

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Thai Ambassador Presents Letter of Credence to HM The King

By Roy Lie Atjam

On March 6, 2024, H.E. Mr. Asi Mamanee, the Ambassador of the Royal Kingdom of Thailand, presented his letter of credence to HM King Willem Alexander of the Kingdom of the Netherlands at an elegant ceremony held at the Noordeinde Palace in The Hague.

Presentation of credentials – H.E. Mr. Asi Mamanee, the Ambassador of the Royal Kingdom of Thailand.

The ceremony of credentials perpetuates the historic diplomatic alliance between Thailand and the Netherlands. It holds immense significance, both symbolically and substantively.

Ambassador Asi Mamanee is no novice to the Diplomatic Community in The Hague he has previously served here.

H.E. Mr. Asi Mamanee, the Ambassador of the Royal Kingdom of Thailand.

After the Presentation of Credentials ceremony, a Vin d’Honneur was held at The Vault, Hotel Indigo in The Hague to celebrate H.E. Mr. Asi Mamanee’s appointment, where Ambassador Asi Mamanee delivered the following speech, “Just an hour ago, I had the immense privilege and great honour to present to His Majesty King Willem –Alexander of the Netherlands the letter of Credence by which His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn of the Kingdom of Thailand accredits me as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Thailand to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

The cordial relations between Thailand and the Netherlands is founded on strong bond between the two Royal Families. This year 2024 marks a special year as Thailand and the Netherlands are commemorating the 420 th anniversary of our diplomatic relations which has begun in 1604, when the Dutch envoys who were the representatives of the Dutch East India Company or VOC were sent to the royal court of Ayuttaya, at that time, the capital of Siam and had an audience with King Naresuan.

This historic encounter was deemed an official establishment of the ties between Thailand and the Netherlands. Later in 1608, the Siamese diplomatic mission visited the Netherlands and received by Prince Maurits of Nassau, Stadholder of the Dutch Republic which is the first ever visit of the Siamese envoys to Europe.

Presentation of credentials – H.E. Mr. Asi Mamanee, the Ambassador of the Royal Kingdom of Thailand.

You can see that the relationship between Thailand and the Netherlands has come a long way. Nowadays, both countries have shared common values and we also share a strong commitment to contribute to the emergence of a freer, more secure and more prosperous world. We enjoy geographical similarities. We are both leading food exporters, and are hybrid nations of being in the mainland with maritime connectivity, which contributes to our countries’ strength in regional connectivity. Both also play progressive role in multilateral cooperation.

As Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, I will tirelessly endeavor to further deepen and widen all facets of existing cooperation between the two countries, including strengthening economic partnership, advancing sustainable development cooperation, promoting initiatives geared towards mitigating climate change and enhancing the friendly ties between our two people.

A Vin d’Honneur was held at The Vault, Hotel Indigo in The Hague to celebrate H.E. Mr. Asi Mamanee’s appointment.

I also look forward to working closely with my ASEAN colleagues to raise awareness about ASEAN in the Netherlands and to continuing our outstanding relations with the diplomatic corps, international organizations, business community, academia and other sectors during my tenure here. I sincerely hope that I can continue to count on your generous support in the months and years ahead.”

Images by Jeroen van der Meyde are a courtesy of the Royal Thai Embassy in The Hague

The Curacao Experience Ambassador Edition 2024

Diplomat Magazine
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The Curacao Experience Ambassador Edition 2024

A group of Ambassadors accredited to The Kingdom of the Netherlands will embark on a working  visit to the beautiful Dutch Caribbean Island of Curacao from 17 to 22 March 2024.

Although the ambassadors from Macedonia, Thailand, Austria and others expressed interest in visiting the Dutch Caribbean for years, the visit never materialized. We brought the ambition to visit the island to the attention of Minister Carlson Manuel in 2022. Minister Manuel demonstrated great enthusiasm towards the idea, and his unwavering efforts were key in making this visit a reality.

Diplomat Magazine played a crucial role in sensitizing members of the diplomatic community to participate in the Curacao voyage, shaping not only the participation but also the logistics scope of the trip. Finally Minister Plenipotentiary Carlson Manuel, is leading an unprecedented diplomatic initiative: a curated trip to Curacao for a select group of ambassadors as a strategic endeavour aimed at fortifying diplomatic ties, fostering international cooperation, and exploring avenues for mutual prosperity.

We take this opportunity to commend Minister Carlson Manuel for his unwavering dedication and contributions in bringing this visit to fruition.

The selection process for the participating ambassadors was rigorous and meticulous. Criteria such as geographic representation, diplomatic engagement, and portfolio relevance between Curacao and each country were carefully weighed. The goal was to assemble a diverse group to discussions spanning trade, investment, tourism, cultural exchange, and sustainable development.

“When selecting the group of ambassadors to attend the organized trip to Curacao, we considered several specific criteria. Firstly, we aimed to ensure a diverse representation of countries, encompassing various regions and diplomatic interests. Additionally, we prioritized ambassadors who have demonstrated a keen interest in fostering international cooperation and have a track record of engaging positively in bilateral and multilateral dialogues. Furthermore, we took into account the relevance of each ambassador’s portfolio to the potential areas of collaboration with Curacao, such as trade, investment, tourism, cultural exchange, and sustainable development.

Our expectations for this visit are centred around strengthening bilateral relations between Curacao and the countries represented by the visiting ambassadors. Through direct engagement and dialogue, we anticipate laying the groundwork for future collaborations and partnerships in various sectors of mutual interest. By fostering greater understanding and cooperation, we aim to deepen diplomatic ties and explore opportunities for shared prosperity and development.”

“This inaugural trip organized by a Curacao Minister marks a significant milestone in our diplomatic outreach efforts. While the frequency of such initiatives will depend on various factors, including the outcomes of this visit and the availability of resources, we are open to considering repeating this initiative in the future. We recognize the value of sustained engagement with the diplomatic community to promote Curacao’s interests and enhance international cooperation.”

Minister Carlson stated:: “Interactions with representatives of Curacao’s business community are expected to play a crucial role in exploring avenues for trade and investment during the visit. Through meetings, forums, and networking opportunities, visiting ambassadors will have the chance to engage directly with local entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and government officials; allowing for the visiting ambassadors the opportunity to benefit from the synergy created by The Curacao Experience Ambassador Edition 2024. This synergy is expected to facilitate discussions on potential partnerships, investment opportunities, and trade agreements, thereby contributing to the economic development and prosperity of both Curacao and the countries represented by the visiting ambassadors.”

“To ensure the comfort and convenience of the visiting ambassadors during their stay, meticulous arrangements have been made for accommodation, meals, and local transportation. Ambassadors will be accommodated in reputable hotels that offer modern amenities and excellent service. Meals will be curated to provide a taste of Curacao’s rich culinary heritage, featuring local delicacies and international cuisine. Transportation arrangements will be coordinated to facilitate seamless movement between scheduled events, meetings, and cultural excursions. Additionally, an official agenda or working plan has been prepared, outlining the itinerary and objectives of each day’s activities, ensuring that ambassadors have a clear understanding of the program and objectives of their visit.

Furthermore, based on the overwhelming interest we’ve received from multiple countries regarding this inaugural trip, we anticipate that the next edition will be even bigger and more impactful. The enthusiastic response underscores the importance and relevance of such diplomatic initiatives in strengthening ties between Curacao and the international community. Building on the success of this visit, we aim to expand participation and engagement in future editions, thereby deepening relationships, fostering collaboration, and advancing shared goals on a global scale. We are committed to leveraging this momentum to create meaningful opportunities for dialogue, cooperation, and mutual benefit in the years to come.”

From Cuba to the children of the world

Diplomat Magazine
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From Cuba to the children of the world

The Cuban Embassy and the “Asociación Hispánica de La Haya” recently hosted a captivating screening of “Habanastation,” a film that delves into social disparities, familial dynamics, and fundamental human values. The Koningkerk’s auditorium in Voorburg overflowed with eager attendees, drawn by the renowned quality and unique storytelling of Cuban cinema.

Among the audience were members of the association, the Cuban diaspora, and diplomats from countries such as Panama, Peru, Costa Rica, Colombia, Bolivia, Venezuela, and Chile. Edith Bergansius, President of Hispanic Association of The Hague, warmly welcomed the diverse gathering, handing over the microphone to Cuban Ambassador H.E. Ms. Anet Pino Rivero who introduced the film directed by Ian Padron from La Habana. Ambassador Pino Rivero expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the promotion of the Spanish language and the dissemination of cultural topics from her country. He stated, “Our contribution today will be with a film that highlights the importance of human values despite the obstacles of daily life.” She eloquently contextualized the narrative, describing how two schoolboys members of La Colmenita, a Children’s Theater group, from contrasting socioeconomic backgrounds find themselves thrust together under unusual circumstances, navigating issues of innocence, courage, ignorance, friendship, and solidarity. Ambassador emphasized the film’s exploration of social conflicts, prejudices, and the relationship of children with technology and games.

A group of diplomats attending the screening of Habanastation. First row: Fabiola Cruz from Bolivia, H.E. Ambassador Elizabeth Ward Neiman from Panama, H.E. Ambassador Anet PIno Rivero from Cuba, Edith Bergansius, from The Hague Spanish Association, Maria Fernanda Vila from Chile, Fernando Quiros from Peru. Second row: Sofia Cob Briceno from Costa Rica, Raul Alfonso Simancas Gomez from Colombia, Rita Monica Suarez Franco and Eudys Almeida both from Venezuela.

The ambassador also highlighted the numerous awards “Habanastation” has garnered, including recognition at prestigious festivals such as:

  • Best Fiction Film Award in the Founders prize Best of Fest. category and the Audience Award. Traverse City Film Festival in Michigan, United States, 2011. Glauber Rocha Award at the XXX International Film Festival.
  • Glauber Rocha Award at the XXXIII International Festival of New Latin American Cinema.
  • Prensa Latina News Agency Award at the XXXIII International Festival of New Latin American Cinema.
  • UNICEF Award at the XXXIII International Festival of New Latin American Cinema.
  • Vigía Award at the XXXIII International Festival of New Latin American Cinema
  • Spondylus Trophy for Best Fiction at the Lima Film Festival

The film boasts a talented ensemble cast, with Ernesto Escalona portraying Mayito, the son of a renowned jazz pianist, and Andy Fornaris as Carlitos, a resident of La Tinta, a slum on the outskirts of La Havana. Carlitos lives in a modest shack with his grandmother following the loss of his mother, while his father is incarcerated after a self-defense incident. Against the backdrop of sunny and vibrant Havana, with its music and bustling May Day festivities, “Habanastation” unfolds the unexpected adventures of these two 12-year-old boys. Initially driven by the allure of Mayito’s new Playstation and the kids enthusiasm about playing video games, their day together evolves into a heartwarming journey of friendship, laughter, shared experiences, and personal growth, as they navigate through encounters with danger and adversity.

Cuban actor, Ernesto Escalona portraying Mayito.

The film’s ensemble cast, including Blanca Rosa Blanco as the mother, Luis Alberto Garcia as the father, and Claudia Alvarino as the caring teacher, skillfully brings to life the complexities of the characters and their interactions. Throughout the screening, the laughter and nostalgic commentaries from Cuban attendees, recognizing familiar settings and local slang, added an endearing warmth and joy to the evening.

Ambassador Pino Rivero concluded the event with poignant remarks underscoring the film’s message of the transcendent importance of human values over social divisions. As the audience savored delicious mojitos and snacks, conversations among friends lingered late into the night, with many contemplating the fate of Mayito upon his return home. Will Mayito return to La Tinta?

Congratulations to the Cuban Embassy for curating such an inspiring cinematic experience with “Habanastation,” and sincere appreciation to Edith Bergansius for her unwavering dedication and leadership within The Hague’s Spanish-speaking community.

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