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.

Abu Dhabi Festival 2019 Commences with La Bohème in Berlin

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Abu Dhabi Festival 2019 Commences with La Bohème in Berlin

In the picture  Mohamed Kanoo, Ambassador Ali bin Abdullah Alahmed, Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo, ambassador’s spouse – Image by ADMAF


Abu Dhabi Festival 2019 Commences Eclectic Programme of International Commissions with Puccini’s Masterpiece La Bohème in Berlin

Extensive international performances to also include Arab music icons Anouar Brahem and Kinan Azmeh in Europe, the return of the Shubbak Festival, and Palestinian singer and musician, Omar Kamal, with his new world tour

Emirate of Abu Dhabi, UAE: 28 January 2019: Abu Dhabi Music and Art Festival’s programme of international commissions commenced on 27 January 2019 at the Komische Oper Berlin, Germany, with Giacomo Puccini’s masterpiece, La Bohème. Co-produced by the Abu Dhabi Festival 2019, the eclectic evening of one of the most moving stories in the history of musical theatre was attended by H.E. Ali bin Abdulla Al Ahmed, UAE Ambassador to Germany and H.E. Huda I. Alkhamis-Kanoo, Founder of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) and Artistic Director of the Abu Dhabi Festival. 

Through collaborations with international strategic partners and leading global cultural organisations, Abu Dhabi Festival enables the creation of cultural initiatives that bring countries together and enables the appreciation of diverse societies. Expanding upon the international presence seen in past years, this year’s line-up will include extensive performances across Germany, Spain, UK, USA, Canada, France, Germany and Oman.

HE Huda bint Ibrahim Alkhamis-Kanoo and Royal Bridges’ Managing Director Henri Estramant at the Komische Oper Berlin.

Giacomo Puccini’s ingenious interpretation of one of the most moving love stories in the history of musical theatre, La Bohème is a key work of contemporary life in 19th-century Paris; a portrait of life between art, unrequited love and modern isolation in the face of death. Directed by Barrie Kosky, under the musical guidance of Jordan de Souza, the première of the Italian libretto tackled a literary monument written in the mid-nineteenth century, portraying the suffering, celebrations and love of an early sub-culture whose anti-bourgeois lifestyle has now become the epitome of modern artistic existence.

H.E. Ali Abdulla Al Ahmed, UAE Ambassador to Germany commented: “The cultural cooperation between Abu Dhabi Festival and its partners from the world’s leading cultural institutions for the co-commission of La Bohème.”

He added: “Hosting this remarkable re-interpretation of a classic opera in one of the most prestigious venues in Germany, Komische Oper Berlin, reflects the role played by ADMAF in bridging gaps in communication and creating meaningful dialogue between cultures.”

H.E. Huda I. Alkhamis-Kanoo, Founder of ADMAF and Artistic Director of the Abu Dhabi Festival said: “From its very beginning, the Abu Dhabi Festival has always sought to make the arts accessible and relevant to people of all backgrounds and ages. Our co-production with Komische Oper is a perfect example of this approach, for Barrie Kosky has a wonderful reputation for reproducing and re-interpreting classics while keeping true to their original spirit, turning classic works into new and exciting productions.

“As one of the Festival’s many significant international productions and co-commissions, this world première performance of Puccini’s La Bohème is yet another success story, not only for the Festival, but for Abu Dhabi as an Emirate and centre for excellence. It confirms to the world that we are true pioneers on the international stage, always furthering cultural dialogue and deepening understanding between nations.”

H.E. Ernst Fischer, German Ambassador to the UAE said: “I’m delighted that Abu Dhabi Festival co-produced Puccini’s La Bohème together with Komische Oper Berlin. This is a wonderful sign of our friendship and that we don’t just talk business and politics, but that we share together the experience of art, music and theatre. A shared appreciation of what moves us as human beings is really the basis of deepening our friendship and partnership in the future.”

Susanne Moser, Managing Director of Komische Oper Berlin, said: “Our work at the Komische Oper Berlin, which is in many respects unique and of which we are very proud, has increasingly drawn international attention in recent years. We have been very lucky to cooperate with various prestigious institutions from Europe and all over the world, from Australia via Asia to California. It is a great pleasure that now the Abu Dhabi Festival and its Artistic Director, H.E. Huda I. Alkhamis-Kanoo, take such an interest in what we do here in Berlin. We are very thankful that with this cooperation for our new production of La Bohème, we are able to extend our international network and to spread our vision for music theatre even further.”

HRH Princess Sophie of Prussia and Isenburg, Henri Estramant, Dr. Frauke Heard-Bey, Advisor to the ADMAF, Dr. Robert Suzic.

Diplomat Magazine was represented at the function by the Royal Bridges’ Managing Director Henri Estramant and Mr Frederik Rühne. 

The Abu Dhabi Festival 2019 will present iconic Arab musicians at Pierre Boulez Saal, home for Arab music in Europe. It is here that young Palestinian-Jordanian pianist, Karim Said, made his solo début in October 2018 as part of Abu Dhabi Festival’s Arab Artists Abroad, with a remarkable programme that encompassed four eras of music history. Now, Tunisian oud virtuoso, Anouar Brahem, will combine Arabic traditions with the innovative spirit of Jazz when performing Blue Maqams, joined by three masters of their craft: bass player Dave Holland, drummer Nasheet Waits and pianist Django Bates on 13 March 2019. Syrian clarinetist and composer, Kinan Azmeh, will also bring his latest collaboration to the Pierre Boulez Saal, joined by Dima Orsho to present Berlin: Songs for Days to Come, a journey of music and poetry that explores themes such as home, faith, and friendship on 29 May 2019.

On the occasion of the Bicentennial and the 20th anniversary celebrations, the Teatro Real has revived one of the most monumental and emblematic productions of its recent history: AIDAby Giuseppe Verdi. Co-produced by Teatro Real, Lyric Opera Chicago and Abu Dhabi Festival, the opera returns to the Teatro Real with Maestro Nicola Luisotti to conduct the chorus and orchestra with three casts of today’s best voices, featuring Violeta Urmana, Ekaterina Semenchuk, Daniela Barcellona, Gregory Kunde, Fabio Sartori, Alfred Kim, Liudmyla Monastyrska, and Anna Pirozzi, among others.

Composer and conductor Peter Eötvös will be visiting the Reina Sofia School of Music to give his invaluable insight to students from 17 – 23 June 2019, as well as conducting works by Mozart, Stravinsky and Beethoven, and his own compositions. These will then be performed by the students during their end-of-year concert at the Teatro Real in Madrid, as part of Classics at the Festival in the presence of Her Majesty Queen Sofía of Spain.

Returning for 2019 as London’s largest biennial festival of contemporary Arab culture, the Shubbak Festival is set to connect audiences and communities through ambitious festival programmes of premières and commissions of visual arts, film, music, theatre, dance, literature and debate. The Festival will include The Tangiers Acrobatic Group, HALKA, a theatrical circus art born of warrior tradition, combining human pyramids, wheels and jumps. It will also incorporate a performance by composer, trumpeter, santur player and singer, Amir ElSaffar, whose unique sound fuses jazz with Arabic music, providing an important voice in an age of cross-cultural music making. He will lead an extraordinary ensemble to perform Luminiscenciaon 6 July 2019, bringing the flamenco tradition back to the source of the old Arabic maqams through its melodic and graceful arabesques, bringing East and West together in a beautiful, contemporary sound world.

The Abu Dhabi Festival is also supporting Palestinian singer and musician, Omar Kamal, with his new world tour featuring songs from his latest album, which is set for release on 7 March 2019. The album will be launched as part of the Abu Dhabi Festival Composers’ Platform, with the world tour subsequently hosting performances in USA, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Oman and the UAE.

For further information on schedules, venues and performances please visit the Festival website: www.abudhabifestival.ae. 

Abu Dhabi Festival can also be followed on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Abu Dhabi Festival

Patron: H.E. Sheikh Nahayan bin Mabarak Al Nahayan, UAE Minister of State for Tolerance

Founded in 2004, the Abu Dhabi Festival was held initially under the patronage of the then Minister of Information and Culture (and now Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation) H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This was followed from 2007 to 2011 with the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. Today, the Festival is held under the patronage of H.E. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, UAE Minister for Tolerance.

The Abu Dhabi Festival is now acknowledged to be among the world’s best, successfully positioning Abu Dhabi as a cultural destination and the region’s leading celebration of creativity and the arts. Reflecting the vision of the UAE capital as an international cultural crossroads, the Abu Dhabi Festival is rooted in the principles of the country’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahayan: tolerance, respect and enlightenment. As a thriving metropolis that places art, education and culture to the fore, the Festival plays an intrinsic role by further expanding the boundaries of creativity and innovation through the arts. Through its Headline Programme as well as youth platforms and community initiatives, it permeates the farthest reaches of the UAE, engaging children, young people and adults while providing memorable and meaningful experiences that unite visitors, residents and citizens alike.

Strengthened by a growing network of 30 international partners, each year, the Festival brings audiences together to enjoy unique experiences that testify to our common humanity and the deep bonds we share. Always growing, always innovating, it brings the best of the world to Abu Dhabi and takes the very best of Abu Dhabi to the world.

For more information please visit our website at: www.abudhabifestival.ae

About the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation

Patron: H.E. Sheikh Nahayan bin Mabarak Al Nahayan, UAE Minister for Tolerance

Founded in 1996, ADMAF is one of the oldest, not-for-profit cultural organisations in the Arabian Gulf. Pioneering new artistic practices, it seeks to deepen global cross-cultural dialogue and inspire a renewed interest in the creativity of the UAE and Arab world. Often in partnership with leading national and international institutions, it delivers multidisciplinary initiatives for people of all ages, backgrounds and nationalities through the Abu Dhabi Festival, year-round youth platforms and community programmes.

For more information, please visit www.admaf.org

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Images by www.dirk-mathesius.de for the ADMAF 

1. HE Huda bint Ibrahim Alkhamis-Kanoo and Royal Bridges’ Managing Director Henri Estramant at the Komische Oper Berlin

2. HRH Princess Sophie of Prussia and Isenburg, Henri Estramant, Dr. Frauke Heard-Bey, Advisor to the ADMAF, Dr. Robert Suzic 

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