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.

Merdeka 2019 Indonesia National Day

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Merdeka 2019 Indonesia National Day

H.E. Mr. I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja, Ambassador of Indonesia.

Tuesday 10 September 2019 was the celebration of  74 years of Indonesia’s Independence. To celebrate this momentous occasion, the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in The Hague, spread a grand garden party at “Wisma Duta” the residence of the Ambassador. The actual independence date is August 17.

Over a thousand invitees, including friends, the diaspora, fellow diplomats as well as members of the business community, government officials and scores of other individuals attended. They all came by to felicitate the Ambassador H.E. I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja.

The reception was also intended to celebrate the long-standing partnership of the peoples of Indonesia and the Netherlands.

The Merdeka 2019 celebration has been a fabulous showcase of Indonesia’s potentials, her splendor and glory.

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Reception on the occasion of the National Day of the Slovak Republic

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Reception on the occasion of the National Day of the Slovak Republic

H.E. Mr. Roman Bužek, Ambassador of the Slovak Republic to the Netherlands and Mr. Ladislav Hamran, President of Eurojust.

By Tereza Neuwirthová.

On Wednesday, September 18th the Slovak embassy in The Hague hosted a reception to celebrate the Slovak National Day. It was the Day of Constitution, celebrated on September 1st as a national holiday in Slovakia which was the occasion for this gathering.

H.E. Mr. Roman Bužek together with his wife, Mrs. Lívia Bužeková were great hosts of the reception as they greeted all of the honoured guests after their arrival to the embassy. 

Among those attending were many ambassadors and diplomats, foreign dignitaries, as well as other friends of the Slovak embassy. 

During the reception, the guests chatted in the interiors of the embassy, and as the evening weather was still very nice, the garden also provided a nice ambience for talks accompanied by a glass of champagne or wine.

Mrs. Lívia Bužeková welcome H.E. Mirsada Čolaković, Ambassador of Bosnia Herzegovina.

The evening had a very pleasurable atmosphere and the Slovak embassy catered for a great variety of delightful food as well as desserts that the guests could enjoy. 

The celebration of the national day of Slovak Republic marked yet another enjoyable evening for the international diplomatic community in The Hague. 

New Zealand Contributes €100,000 to Future OPCW Centre for Chemistry and Technology

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New Zealand Contributes €100,000 to Future OPCW Centre for Chemistry and Technology

THE HAGUE, Netherlands —19 September 2019 — The Government of New Zealand 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”).

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 New Zealand to the OPCW, H.E. Ambassador Lyndal Walker.

Ambassador Walker remarked: “New Zealand remains a strong supporter of the OPCW and its work towards a world free of chemical weapons.  The new Centre for Chemistry and Technology will allow the OPCW to enhance its international cooperation, detection capabilities, and response measures.  We are pleased our contribution will help support the construction phase of the new Centre and wish the OPCW all the very best with this very important project.”

Director-General Arias expressed his gratitude to the Government of New Zealand for its support and 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.

So far, nineteen 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 project to build the ChemTech Centre is on-going and seeks to strengthen the OPCW’s capabilities to fully address new and emerging chemical weapons threats, as well as to support capacity building in OPCW Member States. The current OPCW Laboratory and Equipment Store are central to the effectiveness and integrity of the verification regime of the Chemical Weapons Convention, and they also contribute to the OPCW’s capacity-building and international cooperation activities. However, the current facility will soon no longer be fit-for-purpose due to its ageing infrastructure, space constraints, larger workloads, and new missions with new areas of work.

A new facility is required to meet the demands of OPCW States Parties for enhanced verification tools, improved detection capabilities and response measures, as well as increased capacity-building activities. The ChemTech Centre will also help the OPCW to keep pace with developments in science and technology and new chemical weapons threats. The OPCW Technical Secretariat is developing a detailed project plan for the construction of the ChemTech Centre, and a Trust Fund for voluntary contributions has been established to secure the required resources for the project.

To date, the following States Parties have contributed or pledged to contribute to the project: Bangladesh, Belgium, Canada, Estonia, France, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan, Poland, the Republic of Korea, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the United States of America. The European Union has also contributed.  

As the implementing body for the Chemical Weapons Convention, the OPCW, with its 193 Members, oversees the global endeavour to permanently eliminate chemical weapons. Since the Convention’s entry into force in 1997, it is the most successful disarmament treaty eliminating an entire class of weapons of mass destruction. 

Over 96% of all chemical weapon stockpiles declared by possessor States have been destroyed under OPCW verification. For its extensive efforts in eliminating chemical weapons, the OPCW received the 2013 Nobel Peace Prize.

Ambassador Galathianaki accredited in Jordan

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Ambassador Galathianaki accredited in Jordan

Ambassador Eleftheria Galathianaki presents credentials before HM King Abdullah II of Jordan – Picture by Royal Hashemite Court.

Sunday, 8 September 2019, Amman, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan: Her Excellency Eleftheria Galathianaki presented credentials as head of mission of the Hellenic Republic to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan before His Majesty King Abdullah II bin El Hussein. 

Ambassador Galathianaki (b. 1958) holds a degree in Law from the University of Athens, and serves in the diplomatic service since 1984. Her previous, and first ambassadorship to Belgium began in 2015. She has served in Serbia, The Netherlands, Egypt and Denmark. In addition to her native Greek, she masters French, English and Spanish. 

For further information 
By HE Ambassador Eleftheria Galathianaki for Diplomat Magazine: https://diplomatmagazine.eu/2017/04/01/greece-and-the-eu-celebrating-a-special-day/

Professional biography: https://www.mfa.gr/brussels/en/the-embassy/head-of-mission/curriculum-vitae.html

Muharraq receives ‘Aga Khan Prize for Architecture’

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Muharraq receives ‘Aga Khan Prize for Architecture’

Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, Sheikha Mai bint Mohammad Al Khalifa, President (ret.) Mintimer Shaimiev – Picture by BACA

Friday, 13 September 2019, Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan, Russian Federation: the Board of Trustees of ‘Sheikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Center for Culture and Research’, received, the prestigious ‘Aga Khan Award for Architecture’ for the “Revitalisation of Muharraq” projects, directly from the hands of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV. 

The awards ceremony took place at Tatar Musa Jalil State Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet in Kazan, in the autonomous republic of Tatarstan. The republic’s first President Mintimer Sharipovich Shaimiev took part in the ceremony wherein the Sheikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Center was represented by Minister Sheikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, President of Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities. 
In 2018 Muharraq, Bahrain’s second largest city was the year’s Islamic City of Culture. 

For further information 

Muharraq, Islamic Capital of Culture: https://diplomatmagazine.eu/2018/11/03/muharraq-capital-of-islamic-culture-2018/

Bahrain TV on the ceremony: https://www.facebook.com/culturebah/videos/445722309620854/

Aga Khan Architecture Award: https://www.akdn.org/architecture

Ambassador Wu Ken received by Premier Laschet

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Ambassador Wu Ken received by Premier Laschet

Ambassador Wu Ken & Premier Laschet – Picture by Land, NRW

Thursday, 12 September 2019, Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia:  Premier Armin Laschet received the new Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China in Berlin, Wu Ken, for his inaugural visit to the State Chancellery in Düsseldorf. The meeting focused on the cooperation between North Rhine-Westphalia and China in the fields of business, science and culture as well as the current situation in Hong Kong.

Premier Armin Laschet: “The People’s Republic of China is a close and important partner for our state. North Rhine-Westphalia is home to the largest Chinese community in Germany and, with more than a third of Chinese companies in Germany, is the centre of German-Chinese trade relations. We also want to intensify our cooperation beyond the economic sphere. The major challenges of our time, such as climate change, require multilateral solutions and international cooperation. Climate policy must therefore also be an integral part of foreign policy. Such a climate foreign policy is the right way to jointly develop sustainable and constructive solutions that go beyond the national perspective”.

With a trade volume of around 40 billion euros, the People’s Republic of China is the second largest trading partner for North Rhine-Westphalia after The Netherlands. For Chinese companies, North Rhine-Westphalia has developed into the most important industrial location in Germany. Since 2013, the number of Chinese company branches has more than ninefold increased to over 1,100 companies with around 10,000 employees. Global groups such as the telecommunications supplier Huawei in Düsseldorf, the construction machinery group XCMG in Krefeld or the industry partner Sany in Cologne have their European headquarters in North Rhine-Westphalia.

North Rhine-Westphalia also has a long tradition of friendly relations with the three Chinese provinces of Jiangsu, Shanxi and Sichuan. In 2018, the 30th anniversary of the partnerships with Jiangsu and Sichuan was celebrated. Currently, 20 cities in North Rhine-Westphalia maintain connections with Chinese cities, including China: Cologne-Beijing, Bonn-Chengdu or Essen-Changzhou. With currently more than 200 cooperations between North Rhine-Westphalian and Chinese universities, North Rhine-Westphalia is the leader in Germany-wide comparison.

The cooperation focuses on engineering and economics. Around 9,000 students from the People’s Republic of China are currently studying at universities in North Rhine-Westphalia. This makes them the second largest group of non-German students. Currently, more than 50 North Rhine-Westphalian schools maintain contacts with a Chinese school. These include grammar schools, vocational colleges, comprehensive schools, secondary schools and primary schools.

The Chinese Consul General in Düsseldorf, Feng Haiyang, also took part in the meeting in the State Chancellery.

Consul General Feng Haiyang partakes at the courtesy call – Picture by Land, NRW

For further information 

Government of NRW: https://www.land.nrw/de/pressemitteilung/ministerpraesident-armin-laschet-trifft-den-neuen-botschafter-der-volksrepublik

Embassy of the PRC to Germany (HE Ambassador Wu Ken): http://www.china-botschaft.de/det/dszl/dsjl/

Consulate General of the PRC in Düsseldorf: http://dusseldorf.china-consulate.org/det/

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