We have to overcome the crisis of multilateralism

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We have to overcome the crisis of multilateralism

By H.E.Dr. Heinrich Kreft, Ambassador of Germany to Luxembourg and President of the Diplomatic Council.

“The Jungle Grows Back” is the title of the new book of US political scientist Robert Kagan.

Bob Kagan, a longtime friend, argues that, with the US retreating as an enforcer of order, the world is now returning towards its original natural state.A free interplay of powers with changing alliances in which the strongest dictate the rules. Not at all a rosy prospect!

After all, we Germans in particular, can have no interest in a “jungle growing back in the world order”. But it is true: Nothing can be taken for granted any more in foreign policy. The future is open and it can be shaped. But it also poses unknown risks.

This dichotomy challenges us each and every day.So what is the big issue in 2019? Syria? North Korea? The Middle East? Or the dramatic global refugee situation from the Mediterranean to Venezuela?

If you take a step back, these conflicts reveal a bigger picture and a distinct pattern. It becomes clear that we are indeed faced with a crisis – the crisis of multilateralism. And this crisis makes conflicts around the world appear irresolvable.

When I say they “appear” irresolvable, this reflects the faith we Germans have in multilateralism. Germany’s postwar success story is also multilateralism’s success story. Europe, which was scarred by war and destruction, was able to integrate in freedom, security and prosperity thanks to our European neighbors’ courage in seeking reconciliation.

The United States also played a crucial role in Europe’s reconstruction.

The fact that it was this Europe that was able to become the United Nations’ closest partner is a triumph of multilateralism. We believe in the United Nations because international cooperation changed our own fate for the better.

H.E. Dr. Heinrich Kreft, during his memorable speech at the Diplomatic Council Gala in Frankfurt, February 2019.

Europe has proved to the world that multilateralism and sovereignty are not a contradiction in terms. On the contrary, in a world faced with immense global problems, we can only safeguard sovereignty if we work together! The three words, “we the peoples”, express both our goal and how we will achieve it.

That’s why the founders of the United Nations put these words at the start of the Charter. They wanted to spell out that we need to work together to find solutions. The UN-Charter’s promises are addressed to the people, who are told that their freedom and dignity will be defended at the United Nations in New York.

But does a boy in Idlib or Sanaa who lives in constant fear of the next air strike feel this? How does a girl in Africa feel when her life expectancy at birth is 30 years lower than in Germany? If we do not act on their behalf, “we the peoples” will simply be hollow words for them.

Kofi Annan once said: “We don’t need any more promises. We need to start keeping the promises we already made.” Since  Germany joined the Security Council as a non-permanent member a few weeks’ ago, this is our vision that motivates us.

The crisis of multilateralism is most painfully evident in Syria. The civil war has long since turned into a widespread regional conflict, with further potential for escalation in an already ravaged region. This sort of war cannot be resolved by military means, as the regional players are too deeply involved and the individual stakes are too high. With united diplomatic efforts, we did, however, manage to prevent escalation in Idlib. But ultimately, and at long last, we need a political process. To this end, the talks must be held under the auspices of the United Nations.

The conflict in Ukraine will also continue to occupy us. Along with France, Russia and Ukraine, we are working hard to implement the Minsk agreements. The focus is on the measures agreed a long time ago with a view to stabilizing the ceasefire. All efforts, including our discussion on a possible UN mission in eastern Ukraine, are aimed at achieving that.

Let us not forget that acute crisis management is at best a step towards peace. Lasting peace can only be achieved if we put a stop to the arms race.

This is not some sort of nostalgic rhetoric from the days of the Cold War, whose balance of terror seems utterly benign compared with the scenario of a “multipolar” arms race, with far more unpredictable players.Germany and the European Union stand by the Paris Climate Agreement. Moreover, we want to ensure that the Security Council makes the devastating effects that climate change can have on the security and stability of entire countries and regions an even greater priority.

A couple of weeks ago, I hosted a lunch in Luxembourg with Prof. Schellnhuber and the Luxembourg  Ministers of the Environment and Energy. Schellnhuber is what some call Germany`s  Climate pope. He is an advisor to Angela Merkel, the EU Commission and the UN. He has been warning of the consequences of global warming for decades.

Kofi Annan once said: “We will not enjoy development without security, or security without development. We will not enjoy either without universal respect for human rights.” Seventy years after the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, its proclamation of dignity and personal freedom remains merely a distant promise for many.

Earlier, I spoke about how we Germans in particular have faith when it comes to multilateralism. This faith is also based on the fact that the United Nations, time and again and despite all disagreements, delivers proof of what we can achieve through joint efforts. I am thinking of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which remains our guiding principle for making this a better world for all people.

We must resist the return of the jungle in international relations to the best of our ability. We have to overcome our problems in Europe. It will not be easy. There are many. From Brexit to the rise of anti-European populists. We need to build a stronger and more united Europe.

A united Europe is our answer to “America First, China First, Russia First, Everybody First.

A democratic and united Europa is our answer to growing nationalism and trade wars and the undermining of the rules –based international order which has served us so well in the past.

Allow me to end with appealing to all of you who are EU citizens and will be able to vote at the European Elections the end of May

Go voting and vote for a pro-European party!

From WWI to www. 1919-2019

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From WWI to www. 1919-2019

It is an honour to present to our readers our esteemed colleague Professor Anis Bajrektarević with his newly released book From WWI to www. 1919-2019 – Less Explored aspects of Geopolitics, Technology, Energy and Geoeconomics.

This is his 7th authored book (4th for the US publishers and the second for the New York-based Addleton Academic Publishers). He is both teaching and research professor on subjects such as the Geopolitics, International and EU Law, Sustainable Development (institutions and instruments), and Political systems.

On the subject Geopolitical Affairs alone, professor has over 1,200 teaching hours at his university as well as in many countries on all meridians. His writings are frequently published, so far in over 50 countries of all five continents, and translated in some 20 languages worldwide. He lives in Vienna, Austria.

For his previous book by the Addleton, Geopolitics of Technology – Is There Life after Facebook, former Austrian Foreign Minister Peter Jankowitsch has said: “Insightful, compelling and original, this book is an exciting journey through the rocky field of geopolitics. It is also a big-thinking exploration of the least researched aspects of the discipline, which will leave no one indifferent. This book, written by an experienced lawyer and a former career diplomat, cleverly questions how we see the world, and acts as an eye opener.”

And, the World Security Network’s Senior Vice President, rt. Brig general of the German Army, close aid to the former NATO Gen-Secretary Manfred Wörner and author of 5 books on security, Dieter Farwick has noted: “The presence and future of our globalised, interwoven world has become so difficult to comprehend that many people refrain from even trying to understand it. It is the merit of Professor Anis Bajrektarevic to fill this gap with excellent analyses brought together in his brilliant book. It is a must read for those who want to get a better understanding of the complex world and who want to contribute to a better and safer world.”

Commenting the previous book of professor, Dr. Franz Fischler, EU Commissioner (1995–04), President of the European Forum Apbach, have stated: ”The book of prof. Anis …  will help to understand better the security structures … and can form a base for improvements in the interrelations between … diverse continents.”  On the same title Dr. Cheng Yu Chin, Director, EU-China Economics and Politics Institute noted: “Excellent news – with this book – for those who argue that European multilateralism is a right solution … out of a lasting crisis. This fascinating comparative read further navigates those of academia and practitioners who want to steer us towards stabile Europe and prosperous Euro-MED.”

We, briefly, introduce some of the views of experts in international relations and history about the newly released book of professor Bajrektarevic From WWI to www. 1919-2019:

Endorsing his newest book, Yale university doctor, philosophy of history professor Emanuel Paparella notes: “A year or so ago I began reading and pondering the political writings of Prof. Anis Bajrektarevic. Plenty of food for thought, I am still reading them. What attracted me to them was their invariable lucidity and coherence of thought buttressed by well reasoned and well balanced logical arguments culminating in insightful conclusions. This is quite rare nowadays and when encountered it comes across like a breath of fresh air. What prevails nowadays are political tracts that often espouse and promote an ideology, often fanatically defended tooth and nail and in- variably leading not to dialogue or symposiums but to diatribes generating much heat and little light… To be convinced of all this, all that the reader has to do is pick up Bajrektarevic book and begin reading. One will not be disappointed.”

History never ended during the last century.  Anis Bajrektarevic offers a vivid, captivating take on the wrenching, convulsive swirl of isms, campaigns, and cultural forces that have punctuated global affairs over the last 100 years. It’s useful to be reminded of the regular episodes of tragic hubris that define our historic record.

Steve Clemons, Washington Editor at Large, The Atlantic

Based on critical analysis and pungent observations Professor Bajrektarevic provides an eye-opening contribution to the question what has gone wrong in Europe in the last 100 years.

His book is an overdue and uncomfortable counter-opinion to the prevailing view and conventional wisdom in the West.

Hannes Androsch, long-time senior minister and former Vice-Chancellor of Austria, Austrian Academy of Sciences (Member of the Senate)

A complex study on geopolitical affairs, this book gives us a key for understanding the origins of pan-European ideas, and far beyond.

Professor successfully combines techniques of political, historical and cultural analysis. This book may be of interest to a wide range of scientists, politicians, diplomats, journalists and specialists in geopolitics, international law, geo-economics, energy policy, socio-political studies, and technology security. In conclusion, timely, accurate, indispensable – indeed.

Prof. Andrei V. Manoilo Lomonosov University, Moscow, Political Science Faculty, Member of the Scientific Committee of the Security Council of the Russian Federation

Comprehensive, focused and immediately useful, From WWI to www. Geopolitics 100 Years Later is an articulate and highly readable synthesis of current thinking on geopolitics in a modern framework. This should be recommended reading for all global leaders and academic professionals.

Dr. J.R. Reagan, Vice Dean at Endicott College of International Studies (Woosong University)

Incisively provocative, “WW1 to www: Geopolitics 100 Years Later” is the definitive analysis of the last century of Europe’s  transition to democratic liberalism. As an international affairs specialist, I highly recommend it as a must-read for those seeking an understanding of the complex of contradictions that is the enigma of today’s unified Europe.

Curtis J. Raynold,  former Secretary of the UN Secretary General’s Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters.

By looking back at history and at different topics and issues, author proposes a very deep and rich reflection on what rendered possible European integration and what kind of limitations it faces today. Every scholar, student or motivated citizen interested in the future of international relations, concerned by the current evolutions of politics in Europe and elsewhere, should pick up Anis Bajrektarević’s book.

Olivier Costa, Research Professor, CNRS (Bordeaux, France) / Director of Political Studies, College of Europe (Bruges/Belgium)

Prof. Bajrektarevic challenges us to revisit history in a new light and take another look at current global policies and structures. Insightful and thought provoking writings on global issues, past and present.

Brilliant, riveting, challenging!  Professor prompts us to think deeper about history and today’s global issues in this wonderful book.

Dimitri Neos, Executive Director, International Affairs Forum, Washington dc

Historically, so much has happened over the last 100 years, and technologically so much is taking place every single day that we are living in a stage of constant alert. Our society has to deal with too many consecutive and irreversible disruptions. In the knowledge-based and scientific era, where nanotechnology, artificial intelligence and robotics are available as advanced technological tools of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, it seems unlikely that humankind will be able to survive the idiosyncrasies of an unpredictable IV World War.

Therefore, it is imperative to rethink a new modus vivendi that responds to the realities and aspirations of the XXI century. This book by Prof. A. Bajrektarevic is a timely and in-depth reflection of our times.                         

Edna dos Santos

Former UNCTAD Director and main co-author of the Creative Economy Reports

Policy Advisor, United Nations Institute for Training and Research, UNITAR

Finally, let us close with the author’s word:

Future of History

Throughout the most of human evolution both progress as well as its horizontal transmission was extremely slow, occasional and tedious a process. Well into the classic period of Alexander the Macedonian and his glorious Alexandrian library, the speed of our knowledge transfers – however moderate, analogue and conservative – was still always surpassing snaillike cycles of our breakthroughs. When our sporadic breakthroughs finally turned to be faster than the velocity of their infrequent transmissions – that very event marked a point of our departure.

Simply, our civilizations started to significantly differentiate from each other in their respective techno-agrarian, politico-military, ethno-religious and ideological, and economic setups. In the eve of grand discoveries, that very event transformed wars and famine from the low-impact and local, into the bigger and cross-continental. Faster cycles of technological breakthroughs, patents and discoveries than their own transfers, primarily occurred on the Old continent.

That occurancy, with all its reorganizational effects, radically reconfigured societies – to the point of polarizing world onto the two: (anthropo-geographically inverted) centar and periphery. This was a birth of Europe as we know it today.

For the past few centuries, peripheries lived fear but dreamt a hope of Europeans – all for the sake of modern times. From WWI to www. Is this modernity of internet age, with all the suddenly reviled breakthroughs and their instant transmission, now harbouring us in a bay of fairness, harmony and overall reconciliation?

Shall we stop short at the Kantian dream, or continue to the Hobbesian realities and grasp for an objective, geopolitical definition of our currents.

This book is my modest contribution to the most pressing of all debates: Our common futures. I am happy if You see it that way too.Author: Editorial

OPCW Issues Report on Syria

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OPCW Issues Report on Syria

OPCW Issues Fact-Finding Mission Report on Chemical Weapons Use Allegation in Douma, Syria, in 2018

On the picture, OPCW Director General, H.E. Mr. Fernando Arias.

THE HAGUE, Netherlands —1 March 2019—The Fact-Finding Mission (FFM) of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), issued today the final report on the FFM’s investigation regarding the incident of alleged use of toxic chemicals as a weapon in Douma, Syrian Arab Republic, on 7 April 2018.

The FFM’s activities regarding this allegation included on-site visits to collect environmental samples, conduct witness interviews and gather data. The FFM further analysed a range of inputs including witness testimonies, environmental and biomedical samples analysis results, toxicological and ballistic analyses, and additional digital information from witnesses.

Regarding the alleged use of toxic chemicals as a weapon in Douma, the evaluation and analysis of all the above-referenced information gathered by the FFM provide reasonable grounds that the use of a toxic chemical as a weapon has taken place on 7 April 2018. This toxic chemical contained reactive chlorine. The toxic chemical was likely molecular chlorine.

The FFM’s report on the allegation of chemical weapons use in Douma has been shared with States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention and they will soon receive a briefing at OPCW Headquarters in The Hague. The report was also transmitted to the UN Security Council through the UN Secretary-General.

Japan Contributes €2.4M to Future OPCW Centre for Chemistry and Technology

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Japan Contributes €2.4M to Future OPCW Centre for Chemistry and Technology

THE HAGUE, Netherlands — 27 February 2019 — The Government of Japan has contributed €2.4 million 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 donation was formalised today in a ceremony involving the OPCW Director-General, H.E. Mr Fernando Arias, and Japan’s Permanent Representative to the OPCW, H.E. Ambassador Hiroshi Inomata, at OPCW Headquarters in The Hague. Ambassador Inomata announced the Government of Japan decision to contribute €2.4 million to support the project to upgrade the OPCW Chemical Laboratory to a Centre for Chemistry and Technology and remarked: ’’In order to prevent the use and recurrence of chemical weapons, it is essential that cases are investigated through neutral and objective scientific methods and by a fair and impartial international mechanism. Updating the OPCW Laboratory is, in this light, a very meaningful undertaking. We hope that this Centre will develop as a worldwide core facility for increasing expertise on the analysis and verification methods regarding cases where the possible use of chemical weapons might be suspected.’’

Director-General Arias stated, “The Government of Japan has my sincere gratitude for its generous contribution. This project is critical to the OPCW’s ability to respond to new and emerging chemical weapons threats, as well as to States Parties’ requests for increased international cooperation and assistance activities. This contribution demonstrates Japan’s commitment to helping the OPCW achieve these objectives.”

Thirteen States Parties have contributed or pledged to contribute financially to the project and a considerable amount has already been raised to date. The Director-General has appealed to all OPCW States Parties in a position to make voluntary contributions to do so. In making such appeals, he has emphasised that the new ChemTech Centre will be a resource for all States Parties and that, “All contributions, regardless of size, are greatly appreciated”.

The Russian-Federation and the OPCW

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The Russian-Federation and the OPCW

Press Conference Russian-Federation And The OPCW

The Hague, 26 February 2019. The Embassy of the Russian Federation hosted a press conference, following the two extraordinary meetings of the OPCW´s Executive Council in January and February 2019 pertaining a proposal from the Russian-Federation to include chemicals in the Annex on Chemicals of the Chemical Weapons Convention.

The Russian Federation proposed to include five families of chemicals in the Annex on Chemicals of the Chemical Weapons Convention. However, USA, EU, Canada, NL, etc. agreed to the first four proposals but not the 5th proposal, on the ground that it does not satisfy the required criteria.

According to the Russian Federation, the proposal would have added strength to the Chemical Weapons Convention. A substantial argumentation for the dismissal was not provided.

The Russian-Federation will, however, present the proposal again to the OPCW member States.

The unveiling of the International Mother Language Monument in The Netherlands

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The unveiling of the International Mother Language Monument in The Netherlands

The unveiling of the  International Mother Language Monument in The Netherlands

By Roy Lie Atjam.

The long awaited International Mother Language Monument was unveiled in The Hague, the International City of Peace and Justice on Thursday 21 February 2019.

The International Mother Language Monument was erected in recognition of the 1952 Language Movement in Bangladesh and declaration of February 21st as the International Mother Language Day by UNESCO. It is noteworthy to mention that the Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh, Mr. Md. Shahidul Haque laid the foundation stone of this Shaheed Minar on 19 February 2017. A similar International Mother Language Monument was also unveiled in Sydney Australia in Ashfield Park in 2006.

H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh to the Netherlands during his speech on the unveil ceremony of the International Mother Language Monument.

The path to the unveiling of the first-ever Shaheed Minar on Dutch territory has been in the making for almost a decade. The unveiling of this monument can indeed be considered as yet another jewel in the crown of achievements of H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh to the Netherlands as the result of his relentless efforts and invested energy to come to we are today.

Celebration on the International Mother´s Language monument unveil ceremony, among ambassadors of Bangladesh, Brazil, Yemen, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Russia, Viet Nam, India and many others.

The Government of Bangladesh financed the physical construction while The Hague Municipality contributed to the design of the monument as part of joint collaboration between Bangladesh and the Netherlands to promote a culture of peace and multilingualism.

Ambassador Belal was accompanied by Deputy Mayor of The Hague, Saskia Bruines with the unveiling of the monument. Following the unveiling, Ambassador Belal, Deputy Mayor Bruines, Ambassadors, members of Diplomatic Corps, as well as the members of Bangladesh community, placed flower wreaths at the newly erected monument.

Deputy Mayor of The Hague, Ms. Saskia Bruines.

Ambassador Belal, accompanied by many of his fellow Ambassadors and Diplomats who accepted his invitation to join him in celebrating this momentous occasion. The dignitaries that joined Ambassador Belal included the Ambassadors of Brazil, India, Indonesia, Russian-Federation, Sri Lanka, Viet nam, Yemen, representatives of the Dutch  Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Municipality of The Hague and the Bangladesh community.

Deputy Mayor of The Hague Ms. Saskia Bruines, stated the following in her remarks:

Every language is at home in The Hague. Every language may be heard here, because every person may be seen.

On International Mother Language Day, we hear many languages and we reflect on what can be a struggle to ensure that every language is heard. To remind ourselves that hiding a language is ultimately the same as oppressing people and their identity

As the Bengali community, you’ve had personal experience of this. And this new monument reminds you and us of that. It’s in a good place. In a park where – particularly in summer when everyone’s outside – dozens of languages can be heard. And where – in a quiet moment – we listen to the language the language of the birds and the rustling of the leaves on the trees.

The act of listening is important. Because only by listening to each other, will we understand each other better.

Dr. Dilruba Nasrin, spouse of the Ambassador of Bangladesh, Deputy Mayor of The Hague, Saskia Bruines , Rabin Baldewsingh, former Deputy Mayor of The Hague, H.E. Sheik Mohammed Belal.

The deputy mayor observed that the language monument in the Zuider Park would not only enhance the dignity of The Hague but also remain as an inspiration for future generations to preserve and promote the mother tongue

During his address, Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal paid tribute to the language martyrs and expressed gratitude to authorities of the municipality of The Hague for their support and cooperation for the construction of the monument. Ambassador Belal recalled the fine contribution of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in the language movement and his charismatic leadership in liberating Bangladesh following the inspiration and solidarity of the language movement in 1952.

Mr. Gustavo Morales, Cultural Attaché, Embassy of Uruguay, H.E. Mr. I Gusti Wesaka Puja, Ambassador of Indonesia, H.E. Ms. Sahar Ghanem, Ambassador of Yemen, H.E. Ms. Regina Maria Cordeiro Dunlop, Ambassador of Brazil, H.E. Ngo Thi Hoa, Ambassador of Viet Nam, H.E. Ambassador Belal, Dr. Nasrin, H.E. Mr. Venu Rajamony, Ambassador of India, the Ambassador of Sri Lanka, H.E. Adam M.J. Sadiq, Mr. Rabin Baldewsingh, former Deputy Mayor of The Hague, H.E. Dr. Mr. Homoyoon Azizi, Ambassador of Afghanistan and H.E. Mr. Alexander Shulgin, Ambassador of the Russian Federation.

Also on 21 February 2019, an event was held in connection with the International Mother Language Day at the UNESCO HQ in Paris.

This year, International Mother Language day was framed by the International Year of indigenous languages 2019 (IYIL19) around the theme “Indigenous languages matter for development, peace building and reconciliation”.

H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Ambassador of Bangladesh, spouse Dilruba Nasrin and Mr. Rabin Baldewsingh, former Deputy Mayor of The Hague.

International Mother Language Day (IMLD) is celebrated every year on 21 February with the overall objective to promote linguistic diversity and multilingual education. (source UNESCO).

Dismantling an Organised Criminal Group

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Dismantling an Organised Criminal Group
Swiss and Romanian investigators carried out simultaneous searches and hearings of 23 persons in an operation to dismantle an organised criminal group (OCG) suspected of committing trafficking in human beings for sexual exploitation and controlling of prostitution.

The operation is part of a joint investigation team concluded in August 2017 between the Prosecution Office of the Canton of Vaud and the Directorate for Investigation of Organized Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT) Pitesti Territorial Office, with the operational and financial support of Eurojust. This JIT was the first JIT was signed with a Swiss cantonal prosecutor’s office.

Investigations, conducted both in Vaud and Pitesti, indicate that as of 2016, the members of the OCG recruited young female victims in precarious financial and social situations using the ‘loverboy’ method. The victims were transported to and intensively exploited in Lausanne, Switzerland. In 2016, one such victim, purchased by three suspects from another suspect, was stabbed to death. Her body was found abandoned in a forest on the French/Swiss border.

 
The investigation began in early 2016 by the Lausanne municipal police, and the case was opened by the Swiss Liaison Prosecutor at Eurojust in May 2017. The investigation led to the identification of nine suspects and fifteen victims of trafficking in human beings for sexual exploitation in Switzerland and Romania. As a result of the investigations carried out, the criminal activity is estimated at more than EUR 2 million.


Photo: © Shutterstock

OPCW Fulfils First International Gender Champions Commitment

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OPCW Fulfils First International Gender Champions Commitment

THE HAGUE, Netherlands — 25 February 2019 — The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) took another step towards gender equality in the workplace by fulfilling its first commitment for the International Gender Champions (IGC) initiative with the appointment of ten OPCW Gender Focal Points.

In November 2018, OPCW’s Director-General, H.E. Mr Fernando Arias, joined the IGC, which is a leadership network that brings together female and male decision-makers determined to break down gender barriers and make gender equality a working reality in their spheres of influence.  As an International Gender Champion, the Director-General’s commitment to foster an equitable and inclusive work environment includes establishing work-life balance arrangements available to all staff, and appointing Gender Focal Points in each OPCW Division to promote gender equality and ensure gender mainstreaming throughout the organisation.

OPCW’s Gender Focal Points will promote gender equality and ensure gender mainstreaming throughout the Organisation. This role includes promoting a greater awareness of gender related issues and a gender sensitive work environment; providing advocacy for gender related issues; contributing to the development and realisation of gender related goals; and monitoring and reporting on progress towards achieving these goals.

“Robert Burns supper” held in Berlin

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“Robert Burns supper” held in Berlin

Dr. Torsten Stein, Ambassador Sir Sebastian Wood, Dr. Alexandra Stein. Burn`s Night 2019.

Thursday, 31 January 2019, Berlin, Her Britannic Majesty’s Embassy to the Federal Republic of Germany: British Ambassador to Germany, Sir Sebastian Wood and the Director of the Scottish Government Office in Germany, Dr. Alexandra Stein, marked British-German friendship by hosting guests at a traditional Scottish “Burns Supper”.

Annually on 25 January in Scotland proper as well as across the globe Robert Burns suppers take place to celebrate Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns – a pioneer of the literary romantic movement, patriot and philosopher who wrote in the Scots language as well as in vernacular English. 

Burns suppers are festive dinners accompanied by readings of Robert Burns’ poetry and Scottish country dancing, with traditional haggis and, of course, fine Scottish whisky. The Burns Supper at the British Embassy showcased these Scottish traditions with a traditional “Ode to the Haggis” and the “Toast to the Lassies”, as well as a moving celebration of Burns’ enduring spirit “The Immortal Memory” by Dr. Stein.

Burn`s Night 2019

Britain’s Ambassador to Germany, Sir Sebastian Wood, said: “What a bonnie Burns Night it was!  The band was fantastic, the whisky and haggis delicious and our Embassy Wintergarten looked stunning.  It was great to see so many of our German friends getting stuck into the Scottish dancing.  I’m determined to make this a regular fixture on the Berlin calendar.“

The first ever Burns supper was reportedly held at the Mother Club in Greenock on 29 January 1802; in 1803 it was discovered from the Ayr parish records that his correct birthday was 25 January 1759, and thus the date was changed thereafter. Burns’ works are read and enjoyed throughout the world and have been translated into many languages. In 2009 the Scottish public voted Burns the greatest ever Scot.

For further information:

“Ode to the Haggis” at the British Embassy to Germany, 2019: https://www.facebook.com/UKinGermany/videos/1563130257153958/

Scottish Government Office in Germany: https://twitter.com/ScotHubGermany

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Images by Buddy Bartelsen for the British Embassy to Germany 

The 60th Anniversary of the triumph of the Cuban Revolution

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The 60th Anniversary of the triumph of the Cuban Revolution

H.E. Ms. Soraya Alvarez, Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba during her remarquable speech.

By Roy Lie Atjam.

The Hague, January 18, 2019, The Republic of Cuba, ever triumphed of her Revolution celebrates her 60th anniversary. The Crowne Plaza Hotel was filled to capacity. Hundreds of people of all walks of life made their way to the Crowne Plaza to felicitate H.E. Ms. Soraya Alvarez, Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba on this momentous day.

The Ambassador of Malaysia, H.E Mr. Ahmad Nazri Yusof, the Ambassador of Tunisia, H.E. Mr. Elyes Ghariani and the Ambassador of Iran, H.E. Dr. Alireza Jahangiri.

Besides the cordial welcome by the Ambassador, there was Cuban food, Cuban cocktail (mojito), Cuban music and dance. The Cuban dance Trio “Salsa de pichón” put on a dazzling show; the  Rafael Calá dancers also added to the excellent Caribe ambience. The Muñecón  “La Cubana” mingled with the many guests. All in all,  a fabulous 60th anniversary of the glorious Cuban Revolution.

An authentic Cuban flavour at the National Day.

Diplomat magazine, co-sponsor of the event,  avail its self of the opportunity and launch the latest issue of the magazine. There was a free copy for every attendee.

Ambassador Soraya Alvarez delivered the following welcome address: We are much honored with all those present and we are grateful for joining us in this special commemoration, the celebration of the 60th Anniversary of the Triumph of the Cuban Revolution.

H.E. Ms. Rawan Sulaiman, Chief of Palestinian Mission, Mr. Abdahmed Saleh Yaffai, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Yemen, H.E. Ms. Ngô Thi Hòa , Ambassador of Viet Nam, the Head of Mission for the IOM, Mr. Antonio Polosa, the Ambassador of Sri Lanka, H.E. Adam M.J. Sadiq, H.E. Abdul-Rahman Al-Otaibi, Ambassador of the State of Kuwait and spouse and H.E. Mr. Bruce Koloane, Ambassador of South Africa.

The first of January 1959, with the triumph of the Revolution and under the leadership of Fidel Castro, culminated more than a century of struggles by the Cuban people for their true and definitive independence. Since then, the firm determination to build a sovereign, prosperous, solidarity country with social justice has prevailed until today.

Generations of Cubans have been protagonists of heroic resistance to threats, aggressions of various kinds and therefore we have been to face enormous difficulties.

H.E. Mr. Abdelouahab Bellouki, Ambassador of Morocco, Mr. Boris Zhilko, Minister Counsellor, Embassy of Russia, Mr. Rafael Lesca Torralba, Consul of the Cuban Embassy, Mr. Eduardo Morales Monteagudo and spouse H.E. Ms. Soraya Alvarez, H.E. Mr. Agustin Vazquez Gomez, Ambassador of El Salvador and H.E. Dr. Homayoon Azizi Ambassador of Afghanistan.

It has taken a new step against Cuba, which would dangerously reinforce the economic, commercial and financial blockade, would flagrantly violate International Law and directly attacks the sovereignty and interests of third countries, with the announcement made on 16 January on the decision to suspend only for 45 days the application of Title III of the Helms-Burton Act, which is characterized by its extreme extraterritorial scope. In particular, the afore mentioned Title III of this Law is aimed at obstructing the economic, commercial and financial relations of Cuba with third countries and affecting its ability to attract direct investment of foreign capital for its development. Cuba rejects that threat in the most energetic and firm way.

This is the high price that we Cubans have had to face in the last Sixty years for defending our right to self-determination to found our own country.

Cuba deeply thanks all those friends around the world, who have given us their support and who continue to do so, defying many adversities.

Cuba continues its decision in updating its economic model, in the continuity of the legacy of Martí and Fidel in the figure of our new President Miguel Díaz-Canel, more over the battle of the Cuban government and people to maintain and defend, at all costs, their fundamental and inalienable rights.

H.E. Mr. Agustin Vazquez Gomez, Ambassador of El Salvador, H.E. Ms. Maria Alonso, Ambassador of Spain and the Minister Counsellor of Spain, Jose Maria De La Torre.

This year is of great importance for Cuba, in which a referendum will be held on a new Constitution of the Republic and also it will enter into force. The draft of a new Constitution was publicly and extensively consulted in a national debate, as well as, with the Cuban citizens are residing abroad. In the process, millions of our citizens actively participated in the last few months, demonstrating the constituent role of the Cuban people and the democratic character of the Revolution.

Cuba’s actions on the international level will continue to be guided by respect for international law, the self-determination, and sovereignty of States, in the defense of all human rights for all, in solidarity, and in international cooperation with full respect to diversity and differences to solve the serious challenges that humankind faces.

The occasion is propitious to recognize the good state of bilateral relations between Cuba and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, which will celebrate this year the 117th anniversary of our diplomatic relations, besides to ratify the willingness to continue strengthening friendship and collaboration for the benefit of our peoples.

H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Ambassador of Bangladesh and Dr. Dilruba Nasrin.

I would like especially to thank and to highlight the sustained support of the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands with its vote against the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed against Cuba.

I take this opportunity to reaffirm with pride and enthusiasm the determination that guides the Cuban people to build an increasingly socialist, democratic, prosperous and sustainable society.

Friends of Cuba, National Day of Cuba 2019. Crowne Plaza, The Hague.

Cuba deeply thanks all those friends around the world, who have given us their support and who continue to do so, defying many adversities.

Cuba continues its decision in updating its economic model, in the continuity of the legacy of Martí and Fidel in the figure of our new President Miguel Díaz-Canel, more over the battle of the Cuban government and people to maintain and defend, at all costs, their fundamental and inalienable rights.

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